Systematic Classification of Mixed-Lineage Leukemia Fusion Partners Predicts Additional Cancer Pathways.
- Author:
Rolf MARSCHALEK
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Review
- Keywords: MLL-r leukemia; Translocation partner genes; Molecular mechanisms of cancer
- MeSH: Alleles; Chromosomes, Human, X; Epigenesis, Genetic; Humans; Leukemia/classification/*genetics/pathology; Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein/chemistry/genetics; Protein Structure, Tertiary; Translocation, Genetic
- From:Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2016;36(2):85-100
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Chromosomal translocations of the human mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) gene have been analyzed for more than 20 yr at the molecular level. So far, we have collected about 80 direct MLL fusions (MLL-X alleles) and about 120 reciprocal MLL fusions (X-MLL alleles). The reason for the higher amount of reciprocal MLL fusions is that the excess is caused by 3-way translocations with known direct fusion partners. This review is aiming to propose a solution for an obvious problem, namely why so many and completely different MLL fusion alleles are always leading to the same leukemia phenotypes (ALL, AML, or MLL). This review is aiming to explain the molecular consequences of MLL translocations, and secondly, the contribution of the different fusion partners. A new hypothesis will be posed that can be used for future research, aiming to find new avenues for the treatment of this particular leukemia entity.
