Nature Genetics reports that three groups of mutations that cause acute myeloid leukemia have been identified.
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a disease primarily of adults. The bone marrow that produces blood cells begins to form immature white blood cells that are unable to do their job of fighting infection. On the other hand, there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen. Untreated acute myeloid leukemia can kill you within weeks.
Although myeloid leukemia can be treated with chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants, progress has been slow. Therefore, scientists associated with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (UK) conducted research on the development of the disease, detecting associated mutations. The most common of these concerns the Npm1 gene.
By switching on the action of this gene in mouse blood cells, they assumed the characteristics of a tumor. However, only a third of the mice developed leukemia.
To see if other genes were involved, scientists artificially triggered different mutations in mice. By then tracking the mice that developed leukemia, they could track down what mutations were associated with it. The next two leukemic mutations were related to cell division and growth, and modification of the cell’s environment, respectively.
Understanding the mechanisms related to leukemia should allow for the development of completely new drugs for the disease – and earlier – for a better use of existing drugs that can be adapted to the patient. (PAP)