Molecular mechanisms of Bcr-Abl-induced oncogenesis.

Abstract

The chimeric Bcr-Abl oncogene has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1)-positive acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). The Bcr-Abl protein is a complex structure comprising discrete domains associated with specific biochemical and biological functions. These domains function through their ability to activate distinct signal transduction pathways responsible for Bcr-Abl's oncogenic behavior. This review will present our current understanding of signal transduction pathways involved in Bcr-Abl-induced pathophysiology, with particular emphasis on potential targets for therapeutic intervention.