 |
|
Unique role for blood formation gene identified
September 13, 2007Dartmouth Medical School research reveals new pathway for stem cell turnover
Hanover, NH--All blood cell production in adults depends on the steady work of a vital gene that if lost results in early bone marrow failure, Dartmouth Medical School cancer geneticists have found. Their research reveals an unexpected role for the gene in sustaining the adult blood-forming system, and opens novel strategies for targeting the gene, which is often involved in a type of childhood leukemia.
"We have identified a new pathway that is essential for blood stem cell turnover," said team leader Dr. Patricia Ernst, assistant professor of genetics and member of the Norris Cotton Cancer Center. The pathway could be exploited for treating a rare but aggressive infant leukemia, she added. These findings were reported in the September issue of Cell Stem Cell.
The investigators created a mouse model to track the function of a gene called MLL, which stands for Mixed Lineage Leukemia. The gene acts in bone marrow stem cells and controls key aspects of their growth to generate all the mature blood cells. If disrupted, it cannot work properly, and leukemia can ensue.
"MLL is the most commonly affected gene in childhood leukemia in children under a year of age; this particular type of leukemia has one of the worst success rates with the existing cancer therapies," said Ernst, who first helped clarify the role of MLL as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard.
Many childhood leukemias result from mutations called translocations, where gene pieces on chromosomes accidentally relocate and misalign. In infant leukemia, the chromosome containing the MLL gene breaks within MLL and ends up fused to a different gene. MLL fusion genes likely co-opt normal MLL functions in blood cells, leading to the overproduction of white cells and leukemia.
Previous studies indicated that MLL is critical for embryonic blood stem cell development, but its role for the adult system was unknown. In their mouse model, the researchers found that bone marrow failure occurred as early as 14 days after they induced the experimental loss of MLL, demonstrating the crucial role of MLL as "necessary for both the development and maintenance of the body's blood supply," according to the researchers.
"We have shown that the adult blood-forming system depends on the continuous actions of MLL," Ernst said. Moreover, with the mouse model the scientists established to define normal MLL functions, they can begin exploring how to craft new anti-cancer treatments, she pointed out. "We and other groups can start designing targeted therapies that inhibit cancerous forms of MLL that occur in childhood leukemia and do not affect normal MLL function, which, based on our studies in mice, would be fatal for the patient."
Dartmouth Medical School
The investigators created a mouse model to track the function of a gene called MLL, which stands for Mixed Lineage Leukemia. The gene acts in bone marrow stem cells and controls key aspects of their growth to generate all the mature blood cells. If disrupted, it cannot work properly, and leukemia can ensue.
"MLL is the most commonly affected gene in childhood leukemia in children under a year of age; this particular type of leukemia has one of the worst success rates with the existing cancer therapies," said Ernst, who first helped clarify the role of MLL as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard.
Many childhood leukemias result from mutations called translocations, where gene pieces on chromosomes accidentally relocate and misalign. In infant leukemia, the chromosome containing the MLL gene breaks within MLL and ends up fused to a different gene. MLL fusion genes likely co-opt normal MLL functions in blood cells, leading to the overproduction of white cells and leukemia.
Previous studies indicated that MLL is critical for embryonic blood stem cell development, but its role for the adult system was unknown. In their mouse model, the researchers found that bone marrow failure occurred as early as 14 days after they induced the experimental loss of MLL, demonstrating the crucial role of MLL as "necessary for both the development and maintenance of the body's blood supply," according to the researchers.
"We have shown that the adult blood-forming system depends on the continuous actions of MLL," Ernst said. Moreover, with the mouse model the scientists established to define normal MLL functions, they can begin exploring how to craft new anti-cancer treatments, she pointed out. "We and other groups can start designing targeted therapies that inhibit cancerous forms of MLL that occur in childhood leukemia and do not affect normal MLL function, which, based on our studies in mice, would be fatal for the patient."
Dartmouth Medical School
Leukemia Current Events and Leukemia News RSSCancer metabolism discovery uncovers new role of IDH1 gene mutation in brain cancer
Agios Pharmaceuticals today announced that its scientists have established, for the first time, that the mutated IDH1 gene has a novel enzyme activity consistent with a cancer-causing gene, or oncogene.
New research into the mechanisms of gene regulation
A team led by Penn State's Ross Hardison, T. Ming Chu Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, has taken a large step toward unraveling how regulatory proteins control the production of gene products during development and growth.
UAB Researchers Discover Antibody Receptor Identity, Propose Renaming Immune-System Gene
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) have uncovered the genetic identity of a cellular receptor for the immune system's first-response antibody, a discovery that sheds new light on infection control and immune disorders.
U of M researchers find 2 units of umbilical cord blood reduce risk of leukemia recurrence
A new study from the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota shows that patients who have acute leukemia and are transplanted with two units of umbilical cord blood (UCB) have significantly reduced risk of the disease returning.
Aileron collaborates study in Nature: Stapled peptides inhibit Notch1 transcription factor
This research validates the potential for Stapled Peptides to modulate key intracellular biological targets, such as transcription factors, that have not been addressable with current small molecule or biologic drug modalities.
Researchers 'notch' a victory toward new kind of cancer drug
Scientists have devised an innovative way to disarm a key protein considered to be "undruggable," meaning that all previous efforts to develop a drug against it have failed.
FDA approved leukemia drugs shows promise in ovarian cancer cells
The drug Sprycel, approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, significantly inhibited the growth and invasiveness of ovarian cancer cells and also promoted their death, a study by researchers with UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found.
First use of antibody and stem cell transplantation to successfully treat advanced leukemia
For the first time, researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have reported the use of a radiolabeled antibody to deliver targeted doses of radiation, followed by a stem cell transplant, to successfully treat a group of leukemia and pre-leukemia patients for whom there previously had been no other curative treatment options.
American Dietetic Association Releases Updated Position Paper Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding
The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on breastfeeding that details health benefits for both infants and mothers and encourages promotion of breastfeeding whenever possible.
Drug shows promise in treating dangerous complication of erectile disorder
Thousands of men are afflicted with an embarrassing and painful condition that triggers spontaneous, long-lasting erections. There are limited treatment options, but a solution could be on the way thanks to new research at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
More Leukemia Current Events and Leukemia News Articles
 |
100 Q&A About Leukemia, Second Edition (100 Questions & Answers about) by Edward D. Ball (Author) This book deals with leukemia from a doctor's and a patient's perspective. |
 |
Leukemia (The Biology of Cancer) by Donna M. Bozzone (Author) This book includes full-color photographs, glossary, sidebars, further reading, web sites, references, and an index. Leukemia, or cancer of the blood or bone marrow, occurs in both acute and chronic forms. While the exact causes of the disease are not known, several risk factors have been identified. There are four major types of leukemia: acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), and chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL), and treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants. "Leukemia" discusses the science of leukemia, theories about its causes, the history of the disease, and the current treatments and how they work. |
 |
Childhood Leukemia: A Guide for Families, Friends and Caregivers (3rd Edition) by Nancy Keene (Author) This most complete parent guide available covers not only detailed and precise medical information about leukemia and the various treatment options, but also day-to-day practical advice on how to cope with procedures, hospitalization, family and friends, school, social and financial issues, communication, feelings, and, if therapy is not successful, the difficult issues of death and bereavement. Woven among the medical details and the practical advice are the voices of parents and children who have lived with leukemia and its treatments. As many parents have already found, advice from "veteran" parents can be a lifeline.This third edition contains significant updates to the information on treatments, chemotherapy drugs, bone marrow transplants, coping with side effects, and resources. It... |
 |
Leukemia Awareness Green Genuine Swarovski Crystal Bracelet by SilverSpeck.com This Beautiful Green Genuine Swarovski Crystal Bracelet Is the Perfect Bracelet you have been waiting for. It has a Sparking Glimmer and is beaded on a Comfort Stretch band. Looks great when worn with a few at a time or alone. Crystal beads can also be used to create your own jewelry! Very Stylish and Pretty! |
 |
Adult Leukemia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families by Barbara Lackritz (Author) For the tens of thousands of Americans with adult leukemia, the condition, which is really a group of diseases, is often a baffling one for patients and families to understand, and finding targeted information on individual conditions can be difficult. In straightforward language, Adult Leukemia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families addresses: Diagnosis and medical testsFinding a good oncologistTreatmentsSide effectsEmotional responses to diagnosis, treatment, remission, possible recurrenceGetting support from your family, friends, employers, and the broader community Author Barb "Grannybarb" Lackritz is a leading patient activist in the leukemia community and herself a long-term leukemia survivor. She emphasizes the promising emerging treatments for leukemia, covering in... |
 |
Fight Against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Long Sleeve T-shirt Large White by Shop Zeus |
 |
Understanding MDS/Leukemia (Home Use) Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. It can begin as a harmless case of fatigue but can lead to a blood transfusion or possible bone marrow transplant. It's a disease virtually unknown to the general public and often not diagnosed by medical caregivers. Mylodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, is a disorder of the bone marrow and can lead to leukemia and eventually death. In this program, success stories abound as researchers struggle to find answers. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
 |
Living Through Leukemia: A Journey to Health by Louis George Whitehead (Author) While many believe that being diagnosed with leukemia is like being handed a death sentence, South Dakota native Louis George Whitehead provides living proof that survival of this life-threatening and life-changing illness is possible. At age twenty-one, Whitehead’s doctor informs him that he is suffering from acute myeloid leukemia. After two rounds of chemotherapy and a relapse a few months later, Whitehead makes the decision to undergo a bone-marrow transplant. Living through Leukemia chronicles his story of endurance and optimism. Whitehead shares his feelings following his initial diagnosis and through the realization that a fatal outcome was possible. He also details the events and symptoms leading up to his courageous battle and describes the importance of both his... |
|
Suck My Heaven by Leukemia | |
 |
Chemo to the Rescue: A Children's Book About Leukemia by Mary Brent (Author), Caitlin Knutsson (Contributor) When my daughter, Caitlin, was diagnosed with leukemia, she was five years old. Our life changed dramatically, and it was hard to answer the questions she had about her illness and explain why she must go through chemotherapy for such a long time. At one point she began to rebel against the treatment, not understanding that the medicine that was making her feel bad was actually saving her life. Creating this book with Caitlin helped her to come to terms with her illness and accept the treatment. It gave her the power she needed to fight and be strong during the difficult times. She is now eight years old and fully recovered. She looks back on this time as challenging, yet with pride. We hope that our book will encourage other children in the same way by providing a positive outlook to... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |