JAK2 in Ph-like B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The Janus Kinase 2 gene (JAK2) provides instructions for generating a protein that promotes the division and growth, or what is referred to as the proliferation, of cells. This generated protein relays signals in cells in order to promote cell growth, as well as help manage the count of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets that are generated within the bone marrow. Mutations and rearrangements of JAK2 are found in 3.5% of B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cases and in 18.9% of Down syndrome B-ALL patients, and are associated with a Ph-like ALL and a poor prognosis. However, there have been great challenges in understanding their role in this pathogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the most recent literature and trends associated with JAK2 mutations in patients with B-ALL.