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We have developed a gene trap approach to select specific cytokine receptor/ligand responsive genes in the cell line TF-1. This cell line exhibits a dependency on granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or interleukin-3 (IL-3) and responds to interleukin-5 (IL-5). In an attempt to detect genes modulated by one of these factors, cells were infected with the Rosaβgeo retrovirus in the presence of GM-CSF, IL-3, or IL-5 and clones were selected for retroviral integration on the basis of G418 resistance. Housekeeping and cytokine-regulated trapped genes were then differentiated on the basis of G418 resistance versus sensitivity in the presence of the different cytokines. To determine the reliability of this screen, DNA sequences upstream of the proviral integration site were identified by 5′ rapid amplification of DNA ends polymerase chain reaction (RACE PCR) from selected GM-CSF–treated and –infected clones. Comparison of the sequences with those in the Genbank database revealed that 2 sequences correspond to known genes: NACA and RBM3. NACAwas recently defined as a coactivator of c-jun–mediated transcription factors in osteoblasts, and RBM3 as a protein from the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein family. Data from transcriptional analysis of these 2 genes in TF-1 cells showed a specific up-regulation by GM-CSF. Both transcripts were also found to be up-regulated in purified CD34+ cells, suggesting their involvement in proliferative processes during hematopoiesis. Interestingly, down-regulation was observed during monocytic differentiation of TF-1 cells, suggesting their extinction could contribute to monocytic lineage development. This study demonstrates that this gene trap approach is a useful method for identifying novel, specific cytokine-responsive genes that are involved in the regulation of hematopoiesis.

-The term "theranostics" characterizes a particular combination of the coupled use of a drug therapy with a diagnostic test (called "companion diagnostics"). The diagnostic test marks out the technical means used to identify a biomarker which allows for adjusting the use of the new drug. Theranostics promise a significant step forward for the use of personalized medicine, better tailored for patients in terms of efficacy and tolerance. The development process of theranostics is complex since it requires a proper phasing from development to reimbursement, through a collaborative and controlled approach. The task force's recommendations should form the basis for reflection and action amongst the different players in the field of the development of theranostics. All stages of the system meeting heterogeneous and asynchronous rules should be harmonized to allow for simultaneous availability of, and access to the drug and test. Nevertheless, it is necessary to simplify the regulations to enable a better adaptation of theranostics to the speed of innovation.

Complete hematologic and cytogenetic responses can be obtained with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in 15-25% of the patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). In these patients, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) can be used to evaluate minimal residual disease. We studied 12 patients who remained Philadelphia-negative for a median period of 21 months on IFN-alpha therapy. Using RT-PCR, the specific transcript was found in all bone marrow (BM) samples. Ten patients still exhibiting a persistent residual clone remained in cytogenetic remission for a median period of 14 months. As we observed a dissociation between bcr-abl expression in BM and peripheral blood (PB) cells, and given the known fluctuations of the bcr-abl PCR results, we suggest that PB negative results should be confirmed on BM specimens. Alternatively, it remains to be demonstrated whether longitudinal monitoring of residual disease would benefit from quantitative PCR or double fluorescence in situ hybridization.