BCR-ABL

BCR-ABL (pronounced: B-C-R A-B-L) is a fusion gene that is formed as a result of a chromosomal translocation, specifically the Philadelphia chromosome translocation. The BCR-ABL gene is associated with certain types of Leukemia, including Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Etymology

The term "BCR-ABL" is derived from the names of the two genes that are involved in the translocation: the BCR (Breakpoint Cluster Region) gene, located on chromosome 22, and the ABL (Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1) gene, located on chromosome 9. When these two chromosomes swap portions during translocation, the BCR and ABL genes also swap portions, resulting in the formation of the BCR-ABL fusion gene.

Function

The BCR-ABL gene codes for a protein known as BCR-ABL protein. This protein is a type of Tyrosine kinase, which is an enzyme that can transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a protein in a cell. The BCR-ABL protein is always active, leading to constant cell division and growth, which can result in leukemia.

Related Terms

• Philadelphia chromosome
• Leukemia
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• Tyrosine kinase

See Also

• Oncogene
• Gene fusion
• Translocation (genetics)

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