5 Gy irradiation does not alter the expression level of WT1 (Wilms tumor gene) in K562 and ML1.

Recently, Wilm's Tumor gene (WT1) has been identified as a predisposing indicator for the activity of leukemia. To know the influence of irradiation on the expression level of WT1, we examined changes in WT1 expression after 5 Gy of irradiation of the K562 and ML1 cell lines (lymphoblastic cell lines). 48 hours after irradiation we could not find any alteration in the expression of WT1 at the mRNA and protein levels. Therefore, our results indicate that 5 Gy of irradiation does not induce differentiation of the leukemia cells.