Evidence for a protective role of the STAT5 transcription factor against oxidative stress in human leukemic pre-B cells

STAT5 transcription factors are involved in normal B lymphocyte development and in leukemogenesis. We show that the inhibition of STAT5A expression or activity in the NALM6, 697 and Reh leukemic pre-B cell lines, results in a higher spontaneous apoptosis and an increased FAS-induced cell death. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the altered pre-B cell survival are unclear. We used a proteomic approach to identify proteins that are differentially regulated in cells expressing (NALM6Δ5A) or not a dominant negative form of STAT5A. Among the 14 proteins identified, six were involved in the control of the oxidative stress like glutathione (GSH) synthetase and DJ-1. Accordingly, we showed increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in NALM6Δ5A cells and suppression of the increased sensitivity to Fas-mediated apoptosis by the GSH tripeptide. Similar results were observed when NALM6 cells were treated with TAT-STAT5Δ5A fusion proteins or STAT5A shRNA. In addition, the 697 and Reh pre-B cells were found to share number of molecular changes observed in NALM6Δ5A cells including ROS generation, following inhibition of STAT5 expression or function. Our results point out to a hitherto undescribed link between STAT5 and oxidative stress and provide new insights into STAT5 functions and their roles in leukemogenesis.