Related Experiment Videos
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase proteins and malignancy
K Pulford1, S W Morris, D Y Mason
1Immunodiagnostics Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK. karen.pulford@ndcls.ox.ac.uk
Current Opinion in Hematology
|September 19, 2001
Summary
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene fusions define a distinct lymphoma subtype. Detecting NPM-ALK protein aids diagnosis and distinguishes ALK-positive lymphomas from ALK-negative types.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- A specific gene fusion, nucleophosmin-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (NPM-ALK), arises from a (2;5) translocation in a subtype of human lymphoma.
- Immunocytochemical detection of NPM-ALK and other ALK fusion proteins is crucial for defining
- ALK-positive lymphoma
- a distinct clinicopathologic entity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of ALK gene fusions in lymphoma pathogenesis.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of NPM-ALK detection.
- To explore the expression patterns and potential functions of ALK fusion proteins.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry for NPM-ALK detection.
- Analysis of ALK fusion gene variants.
- Biochemical studies on NPM-ALK function.
Main Results:
- NPM-ALK detection defines "ALK-positive lymphoma", distinct from pathologist-diagnosed anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).
- Eight variant ALK fusion proteins identified, with differential expression in ALCL and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT).
- NPM-ALK exhibits anti-apoptotic function, potentially contributing to oncogenesis.
Conclusions:
- NPM-ALK serves as a valuable diagnostic marker for a specific lymphoma subtype.
- Understanding ALK fusion proteins is key to differentiating lymphomas.
- Despite generally good prognosis, novel therapies are needed for refractory ALK-positive lymphomas.