JAK2 Alterations in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Molecular Insights for Superior Precision Medicine Strategies

Charlotte E.J. Downes, Barbara J. McClure, Daniel P. McDougal, Susan L. Heatley, John B. Bruning, Daniel Thomas, David T. Yeung, Deborah L. White

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)
154 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract


Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer, arising from immature lymphocytes that show uncontrolled proliferation and arrested differentiation. Genomic alterations affecting Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) correlate with some of the poorest outcomes within the Philadelphia-like subtype of ALL. Given the success of kinase inhibitors in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia, the discovery of activating JAK2 point mutations and JAK2 fusion genes in ALL, was a breakthrough for potential targeted therapies. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these alterations activate JAK2 and promote downstream signaling is poorly understood. Furthermore, as clinical data regarding the limitations of approved JAK inhibitors in myeloproliferative disorders matures, there is a growing awareness of the need for alternative precision medicine approaches for specific JAK2 lesions. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms behind ALL-associated JAK2 mutations and JAK2 fusion genes, known and potential causes of JAK-inhibitor resistance, and how JAK2 alterations could be targeted using alternative and novel rationally designed therapies to guide precision medicine approaches for these high-risk subtypes of ALL.
Original languageEnglish
Article number942053
Number of pages34
JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
Volume10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 Jul 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • leukemia
  • Janus kinases
  • kinase inhibitor
  • JAK2
  • targeted therapy
  • acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'JAK2 Alterations in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Molecular Insights for Superior Precision Medicine Strategies'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this