Researchers have discovered a key reason why a form of leukemia progresses from its more-treatable chronic phase to a life-threatening phase called blast crisis The study indicated that chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) progresses when immature white blood cells lose a molecule called miR-328.Loss of the molecule traps the cells in a rapidly growing, immature state. The cells soon fill the bone marrow and spill into the bloodstream, a tell-tale sign that the disease has advanced to the blast crisis stage.
These findings indicate that the loss of miR-328 is probably essential for progression from the chronic phase of the disease to the blast crisis stage.
The findings also suggest that maintaining the level of this microRNA might represent a new therapeutic strategy for CML blast crisis patients who do not benefit from targeted agents such as imatinib (Gleevec) and dasatinib (Sprycel).
The study also revealed a new function for microRNA. Researchers have known for some time that these molecules help regulates the kinds of proteins that cells make. But this study shows for the first time that microRNA molecules can also attach directly to protein molecules and alter their function.
During CML progression, however, the level of miR-328 drops, allowing the protein to be extremely active. This keeps the leukemic white blood cells from maturing and contributes to the transition from the chronic-disease phase to blast crisis phase.
These findings may help unravel novel pathways responsible for the initiation and progression of leukemia generally. |
