Study of autophagy genes BECN1, PIK3C3 and surface SLAMF1 expression in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

BackgroundChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia among adults in the Western world. Autophagy is a self-degradative process that is essential for balancing the energy sources at critical times and in response to stress. BECN1 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase C3 (PIK3C3) genes are crucial for the initiation of autophagy process. SLAMF1 is a costimulatory molecule and microbial sensor involved in genetic pathways that adjust chemotaxis and autophagy.ObjectivesTo study the role of BECN1 and PIK3C3 gene expression and assess SLAMF1 surface expression in CLL and correlate with disease characteristics.Patients and methodsIn this case–control study, 40 newly diagnosed patients with CLL were included as well as 10 age-matched and sex-matched apparently healthy control. RT-PCR was used to measure PIK3C3 and BECN1 genes expression. SLAMF1 surface expression was measured by flow cytometry.ResultsPatients with CLL had lower BECN1 and PIK3C3 gene expressions than the control group (P < 0.001). PIK3C3 showed a statistically significant correlation with CD38 (P = 0.012), whereas BECN1 showed a statistically significant difference with different Binet stages (P = 0.017). Otherwise, there was no significant correlation between expression of both genes and different clinical parameters. SLAMF1 surface expression was statistically lower in the patient group than in the control group (P < 0.001). In addition, it was found to be an independent prognostic marker in CLL, with higher expression being associated with a good prognosis.ConclusionAutophagy genes and SLAMF1 represent promising candidates for future studies with respect to their role in autophagy in CLL, and they may represent targets of treatment.