Diacetylputrescine and its analog suppress c-myc expression and activation of human B-lymphocytes.

Our studies demonstrate that diacetylputrescine (TMBA), and its analog hexamethylenebisacetamide, HMBA, inhibit the expression of the c-myc oncogene in activated human B-lymphocytes. Activation of human B-cells induced by anti-IgM is associated with the induction of c-myc by greater than 20 times basal levels, maximal levels occurring at about 2 hours. This increased c-myc expression is inhibited by greater than 90% by 3 mM TMBA or 3mM HMBA. TMBA and HMBA also inhibit by greater than 90% the subsequent activation of the B-cells. These diacetylated polyamines may play a regulatory role in B-cell activation.