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Abstract:
The cellular abl oncogene and those derived by viral transduction and chromosomal translocation events encode a family of closely related proteins with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. The known in vitro and in vivo manifestations of these tyrosine specific kinase activities are, in general, very similar to those of other members of the src gene family. The expression of the normal c-abl messages and gene products is not remarkably different among most tissues, including the haemolymphoid system. However, the broad haemopoietic transformation spectrum of the murine v-abl protein and the association of the abl oncogene with human chronic myelogenous leukaemia suggest that some special structure-function relationship for the abl protein might hold for the growth regulation of blood forming cells. This article concentrates on recent data that have pointed the way toward several testable models for the intracellular behaviour of the c-abl proteins and their altered counterparts which function in cellular transformation and other altered growth states. More detailed review articles which cover the historical development of the field (Baltimore et al, 1979; Rosenberg and Baltimore, 1980), biological properties of the Abelson murine leukaemia virus (Risser, 1982; Whitlock and Witte, 1985) and the structure of the abl gene and its products (Witte, 1983; Konopka and Witte, 1985a) are available.
Insights
The abl oncogene encodes tyrosine kinase proteins implicated in cell growth. Research explores models for abl protein behavior in cellular transformation and leukemia, particularly in blood-forming cells.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- The cellular abl oncogene and its viral counterparts encode tyrosine kinase proteins.
- These proteins share similarities with the src gene family in their kinase activities.
- Normal c-abl expression is widespread, but its role in blood cell growth regulation is a key focus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore recent data on the intracellular behavior of c-abl proteins.
- To investigate models for abl protein function in cellular transformation and altered growth states.
- To understand the specific structure-function relationships of abl proteins in hematopoietic cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and recent data.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo manifestations of tyrosine kinase activities.
- Examination of the association of the abl oncogene with human chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Main Results:
- Abl proteins possess intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, similar to the src gene family.
- The murine v-abl protein exhibits a broad hematopoietic transformation spectrum.
- The abl oncogene is linked to human chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Conclusions:
- Specific structure-function relationships of abl proteins may be critical for blood cell growth regulation.
- Testable models are emerging for the intracellular behavior of c-abl proteins and their oncogenic forms.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of abl in cellular transformation and disease.