Fig. 4

FHIT gene methylation is present in non-leukemic/non-T-cells in ATL patients’ samples. a FHIT gene methylation occurs in both tumorigenic (CD19-) and non-tumorigenic, B-cells (CD19+) in ATL patients’ samples. A representation of the global BSG methylation pattern of two HDs (HD-1 and HD-2) and two acute ATL patients (ATL-1 and ATL-3). Patient cells were sorted into CD19- and CD19+ fractions, and gDNA was analyzed for FHIT and SYK gene methylation. Unmethylated and methylated alleles are noted by white and black boxes, respectively. Circle graphs representing the percentage of methylated CpG islands in the FHIT and SYK genes are shown. b The FHIT gene is methylated in total PBMCs and cells from non-hematologic origin (nails) from the same individuals in ATL patients’ samples. A representation of the global BSG methylation pattern from total PBMCs and nails derived from the same HD (HD-1), lymphoma ATL (ATL-1), an acute ATL (ATL-3; same patient and data used for CD25+/in Fig. 3), and an asymptomatic/HTLV-I positive patient from an ATL+ family (see Fig. 5). gDNA corresponding to the same patient from PBMCs (tumorigenic) and nails were analyzed for FHIT gene methylation. For the acute ATL patient, PBMCs were further sorted into CD25- and CD25+ fractions. Unmethylated and methylated alleles are noted by white and black boxes, respectively. Circle graphs representing the percentage of methylated CpG islands in the FHIT and SYK genes are shown