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[Retinoids and acute promyelocytic leukemia]
1Institute of Applied Microbiology, University of Tokyo.
Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer & Chemotherapy
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Retinoids, like retinoic acid, show promise in treating tumors by interacting with nuclear receptors. The retinoic acid receptor-alpha (RAR-alpha) gene is implicated in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and may function as a tumor suppressor.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Context:
- Retinoids, including retinoic acid, are recognized for their therapeutic potential in various cancers.
- These compounds exert biological effects via specific nuclear receptors: RAR-alpha, RAR-beta, and RAR-gamma.
- Retinoid receptors (RARs) are transcription factors within the steroid/thyroid nuclear receptor superfamily.
Purpose:
- To explore the role of retinoic acid and its analogs in cancer treatment.
- To investigate the mechanism of action of retinoids through nuclear receptors.
- To understand the specific involvement of RAR-alpha in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
Summary:
- Retinoic acid demonstrates high efficacy (over 70% complete remission) in treating acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
- APL is characterized by a specific chromosomal translocation, t(15;17), involving the RAR-alpha gene on chromosome 17 and the myl gene on chromosome 15.
- The resulting myl/RAR-alpha fusion protein is believed to drive APL development, suggesting RAR-alpha's role as a tumor suppressor gene.
Impact:
- Highlights the therapeutic potential of retinoids in hematological malignancies.
- Identifies the RAR-alpha gene as a critical factor in APL pathogenesis.
- Positions RAR-alpha as a potential tumor suppressor gene, opening avenues for targeted therapies.