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Updated: May 8, 2026

Next Generation Sequencing for the Detection of Actionable Mutations in Solid and Liquid Tumors
Published on: September 20, 2016
Nonfamilial, MPL S505N-Mutated Essential Thrombocythaemia
Ruth Morrell1, Stephen E Langabeer, Liam Smyth
1Department of Haematology, Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, Ireland.
Abstract:
Mutations of MPL are present in a significant proportion of patients with the myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), primary myelofibrosis (PMF), and essential thrombocythaemia (ET). The most frequent of these mutations, W515L and W515K, occur in exon 10 of MPL, which encodes the receptor for thrombopoietin. Another exon 10 mutation, MPL S505N, has been shown to be a founder mutation in several pedigrees with familial thrombocythaemia where it is associated with a high thrombotic risk, splenomegaly and progression to bone marrow fibrosis. Rare cases of sporadic, nonfamilial, MPL S505N MPN have been documented, but the presenting laboratory and clinical features have not been described in detail. The diagnosis and clinical course of a case of MPL S505N-positive MPN are presented with diagnostic features and treatment response resembling typical ET but with evidence of increasing bone marrow fibrosis. Further MPN cases possessing this genotype require reporting in order to ascertain whether any particular morphological or clinical features, if present, determine clinical course and aid the refinement of therapeutic options.
Insights
MPL mutations are common in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). The rare MPL S505N mutation presents like essential thrombocythaemia (ET) but shows bone marrow fibrosis progression, requiring further study.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mutations in the MPL gene are frequently observed in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), including primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and essential thrombocythaemia (ET).
- The W515L and W515K mutations in exon 10 of MPL are the most common, affecting the thrombopoietin receptor.
- The MPL S505N mutation, also in exon 10, is a founder mutation in familial thrombocythaemia, linked to thrombosis, splenomegaly, and fibrosis progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the diagnostic and clinical features of a rare case of sporadic MPL S505N-positive MPN.
- To analyze the clinical course and treatment response in a patient with MPL S505N MPN.
- To highlight the need for reporting more cases with this genotype to understand its specific clinical and morphological characteristics and refine therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Case report detailing the diagnosis and clinical course of an MPL S505N-positive MPN patient.
- Analysis of laboratory findings, clinical presentation, and bone marrow morphology.
- Review of treatment response and disease progression.
Main Results:
- The presented case exhibited diagnostic and treatment response features typical of essential thrombocythaemia (ET).
- Despite ET-like presentation, the patient showed evidence of progressive bone marrow fibrosis.
- The MPL S505N genotype in a sporadic MPN context requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- The MPL S505N mutation can manifest as a rare cause of sporadic MPN with features overlapping with ET.
- Progressive bone marrow fibrosis may be a significant feature of MPL S505N MPN, even with an initial ET-like presentation.
- Accumulating data on MPL S505N MPN cases are crucial for defining specific clinical phenotypes and optimizing treatment.

