KIAA1524: A novel MLL translocation partner in acute myeloid leukemia

The Mixed Lineage Leukemia gene on chromosome 11q23 is a frequent site of recurrent translocations in acute leukemias. Its promiscuous character is reflected by the more than 60 different translocation partners described in literature. Prompted by karyotype and atypical FISH results, we identified a new translocation partner in infant acute myeloid leukemia, KIAA1524 on 3q13.13, also known as 'Cancerous Inhibitor of Protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A)'. This gene was recently identified as a proto-oncogene stabilizing MYC protein in gastric carcinoma. KIAA1524 has never been related to hematologic malignancies before, and the current AML case is the first case in which an MLL-KIAA1524 fusion was described.