The role of myc in transformation by BCR-ABL

Abstract

The BCR-ABL gene plays a central role in the pathogenesis of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Despite a detailed understanding of the regions of BCR and ABL required for transformation by BCR-ABL, little is known about the signalling pathway by which BCR-ABL causes transformation. The nuclear oncogene c-myc plays a critical role in BCR-ABL transformation. Levels of c-myc RNA are high in cells transformed by BCR-ABL, and overexpression of dominant negative forms of myc blocks transformation by BCR-ABL. These findings suggest that myc may be a useful therapeutic target in BCR-ABL-related leukemias.