Glucose-Transport Regulation in Leukemic Cells: How Can H 2 O 2 Mimic Stem Cell Factor Effects?

In leukemic cells, glucose transport is activated by SCF and H₂O₂ through a common signal cascade involving Akt, PLC _γ , Syk, and the Src family, in this order. An explanation can be provided by the phosphorylation of c-kit, the SCF receptor, elicited by either SCF or H₂O₂. Moreover, antioxidants prevent the SCF effect on glucose transport, confirming the involvement of H₂O₂ in the pathway leading to glucose-transport activation and suggesting a potential role for reactive oxygen species in leukemia proliferation.