The Role of BAALC Gene in the Transformation of Myeloid Progenitor Cells to Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract

One of the unanswered questions in hematology is the question concerning disorders in the regulation of gene expression in different subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leading to changes in the functional activity of certain genes and acting as a component of a series of events in the leukemogenesis. One example of such a gene is BAALC gene (brain and acute leukemia and cytoplasmic), localized in chromosome 8, which plays a role in the regulation of myeloid progenitors’ differentiation. This role is associated with several other oncogenes, such as HoxA9, ERK, and RUNX1. Gene interactions determine normal proliferation and differentiation of cells, and any disturbances could lead to leukemic development. What is the role of BAALC in normal/impaired balance? What are the connections of BAALC with the mutations established in AML: FLT3, NPM1, etc.? What are the correlations of its overexpression with clinical and laboratory findings in AML patients? What are the changes in the expression of BAALC, after successful therapy of AML and after therapy failure? Can we use it as a predictive marker in AML patients? This chapter summarizes available data about functions of BAALC gene, the frequency of overexpression, and its importance as a predictive marker in the development of AML.