Genetic mutations linked to leukemia
Published: April 16, 2008 at 1:28 PM
MEMPHIS, April 16 (UPI) -- U.S. medical researchers say they have linked a combination of genetic mutations to an aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists said the series of genetic mutations work together to initiate most cases of the often-fatal ALL. The finding, they said, could lead to new cancer-fighting therapies
The defects -- known as "cooperating oncogenic lesions" -- include the deletion of a gene, IKZF1, whose protein, Ikaros, normally helps guide the development of a blood stem cell into a lymphocyte. The researchers also found that loss of the same gene accompanied the transformation of chronic myelogenous leukemias to a life-threatening acute stage.
"These findings provide new avenues to pursue to gain a better understanding of these disease processes and, ultimately, to develop better therapies," said Dr. James Downing, St. Jude's scientific director.
He said the study adds further support to a key concept in cancer genetics -- that malignancies frequently require mutations in multiple genes in order to develop.
The research is reported in the online edition of the journal Nature.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists said the series of genetic mutations work together to initiate most cases of the often-fatal ALL. The finding, they said, could lead to new cancer-fighting therapies
The defects -- known as "cooperating oncogenic lesions" -- include the deletion of a gene, IKZF1, whose protein, Ikaros, normally helps guide the development of a blood stem cell into a lymphocyte. The researchers also found that loss of the same gene accompanied the transformation of chronic myelogenous leukemias to a life-threatening acute stage.
"These findings provide new avenues to pursue to gain a better understanding of these disease processes and, ultimately, to develop better therapies," said Dr. James Downing, St. Jude's scientific director.
He said the study adds further support to a key concept in cancer genetics -- that malignancies frequently require mutations in multiple genes in order to develop.
The research is reported in the online edition of the journal Nature.
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
» Next in Science:
'S'morestick Kits' are recalled
A crane lowers space shuttle Discovery toward the external tank and solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launcher platform in high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, Flordia. The stacking and mating took place in preparation for the launch on the STS-124 mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch on May 31, 2008. (UPI Photo/Jim Grossmann/NASA)
Space Shuttle Discovery set to launch on May 31
Full Photo
| Slideshow
Latest Headlines
Most Popular