Disease relevance of BLZF1

• The JEM-1 gene, recently identified in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells, codes for a novel nuclear factor (Duprez et al Oncogene 1997; 14: 1563-1570) [1].
• Cell lines derived from monocytic and erythroid leukemias, expressed low and high amounts of JEM-1 mRNA, respectively [1].
• Eight spirochetal isolates (JEM1 to JEM8) were obtained from cutaneous lesions of patients with Lyme disease in Hokkaido, Japan, and were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, reactivities with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, and Southern blot hybridization [2].

High impact information on BLZF1

• Depletion of golgin-45 disrupts the Golgi apparatus and causes a block in secretory protein transport [3].
• These findings suggest that Golgin-45 serves as a linchpin for the maintenance of Golgi complex structure, and offer hints as to the mechanisms by which the polarized Golgi complex is constructed [4].
• JEM-1, a novel gene encoding a leucine-zipper nuclear factor upregulated during retinoid-induced maturation of NB4 promyelocytic leukaemia [5].
• JEM-1, a novel nuclear co-factor: localisation and functional interaction with AP-1 [6].
• JEM-1 is a novel gene whose mRNA expression in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is induced by retinoid treatments [6].

Biological context of BLZF1

• The Jem-1 (JEM-1, HGMW-approved symbol BLZF1) gene mapping to human chromosome 1q24 codes for a ubiquitously expressed 3-kb mRNA, translated in a 45-kDa nuclear protein [7].
• These clones extend over 34 kb of the human genome and comprise the complete JEM-1 gene and a 4-kb 5'flanking region [7].
• Genomic organization of the JEM-1 (BLZF1) gene on human chromosome 1q24: molecular cloning and analysis of its promoter region [7].

Anatomical context of BLZF1

• JEM-1 is kept silent in the APL cell line NB4, but up-regulated (3 kb transcript) during cell maturation [1].
• APL patients showed a low, yet variable, level of JEM-1 mRNA in bone marrow [1].
• In this issue, Short et al. report the discovery of a protein named Golgin-45 that is located on the surface of the middle (or medial) cisternae of the Golgi complex [4].

Associations of BLZF1 with chemical compounds

• This work identifies JEM-1 as a novel ubiquitous gene whose expression is low in APL cells, but can be restored by RA treatment, concomitant with cell maturation [1].
• Here, we show that retinoic acid (RA)-induced JEM-1 expression is biphasic (peaks at 6 h and 48 h) and associated with the later stages of maturation [1].

Analytical, diagnostic and therapeutic context of BLZF1

• RA treatment induced an increase in the level of JEM-1 mRNA, as detected by a semi-quantitative PCR [1].

References