Leukemogenesis by the chromosomal translocations

The AML1 is the most commonly involved transcription factor gene in human leukemias and forms chimeric transcription factor genes, namely, AML1/MTG8 by the t(8;21), AML1/EVI-1 by the t(3;21), and TEL/AML1 by the t(12;21). The AML1a and AML1b, two isoforms of the AML1 protein, are translated from the AML1 gene by the alternative splicing. The shorter form and longer form are named as AML1a and AML1b, respectively. The AML1b contains the runt homology domain as a DNA-binding domain and the serine/proline/threonine-rich domain (PST domain) as a putative transactivation domain. The AML1a contains only the runt homology domain, but not the PST domain. The AML1b has a transactivation ability through the PEBP2 site and stimulates differentiation of myeloid cells. On the other hand, AML1a cna bind the PEBP2 site, but does not show a transactivation ability through the PEBP2 site. The AML1a dominantly suppresses transactivation induced by the AML1b and has the ability to block differentiation of myeloid cells. It is a reasonable hypothesis that the molecular ratio of AML1a to AML1b in myeloid cells could determine whether they proliferate or undergo a terminal differentiation.