Identification and characterization of a Y chromosome-encoded gene overexpressed in acute myeloid leukaemia cells

Male patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) who receive female haematopoietic stem cells show the best therapy outcome. Y chromosome gene expression has been evaluated in male AML M4-M5 cells and in male healthy CD14+ cells. The genes BCORL2, PCDH11, TGIF2L, and VCY were found to be up-regulated in leukaemic cells. After immunological studies, one peptide derived from the gene VCY and able to weakly stimulate female cytotoxic T-cells has been identified. Several aspects of the putative transcription factor TGIF2LY have been characterized, including its subcellular localization and identification of its DNA-binding sequence.