Effects of 3-deazaadenosine on human promyelocytic HL-60 cells

The adenosine analog 3-deazaadenosine, which is known to perturb transmethylation reactions, and to promote conversion of 3T3-L1 cells inter adipocytes, was investigated with respect to its effect on growth, cloning efficiency and functional differentiation in the human promyelocytic cell line HL-60. 3-deazaadenosine showed growth inhibition and a moderate effect on functional differentiation at concentrations in the lower micromolar range. At higher concentrations (above 100 μM) the drug was cytotoxic and had a more pronounced effect on differentiation. These effects were associated with perturbation of metabolites of transmethylation and the formation of 3-deazaadenosylhomocysteine.