Anaplastic lymphoma kinase

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the ALK gene. ALK is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is important in the development of the brain. Abnormal expression of ALK is implicated in several diseases, including certain types of cancer.

Function

ALK plays a crucial role in the development and function of the nervous system. It is a receptor tyrosine kinase in the insulin receptor superfamily, which includes the leukocyte tyrosine kinase (LTK) gene family. ALK helps in the brain development by influencing the growth and differentiation of neurons.

Clinical significance

1. 1. 1. Cancer ###

ALK is best known for its role in certain types of cancers. The most notable association is with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), where chromosomal translocations involving the ALK gene are often observed. These translocations create fusion genes that are oncogenic, leading to cancerous cell growth.

1. 1. 1. Lung Cancer ###

In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), ALK rearrangements account for about 3-7% of cases. The identification of ALK rearrangements in NSCLC has led to the development of ALK inhibitors, such as crizotinib, which have shown significant efficacy in treating ALK-positive NSCLC.

1. 1. 1. Neuroblastoma ###

ALK mutations are also found in neuroblastoma, a common cancer in children. These mutations are typically activating mutations, leading to increased kinase activity and oncogenic signaling.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The detection of ALK gene rearrangements in cancers is typically performed using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or next-generation sequencing. The presence of ALK rearrangements can influence the treatment strategy, with ALK inhibitors being a preferred treatment option for ALK-positive tumors.

See also

• Tyrosine kinase inhibitor
• Crizotinib
• Cancer therapy