Mutations in ras genes in myelocytic leukemias and myelodysplastic syndromes.
Acute myelocytic leukemias (AML) are characterized by a remarkably high incidence (approximately 30%) of point mutations affecting codons 12, 13, or 61 within ras genes. A predominant involvement of N-ras sequences has been established. Neither Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelocytic leukemia nor other chronic myeloproliferative disorders show a similar frequency. However, a proportion of myelodysplastic syndromes, namely, the chronic myelomonocytic subtype (CMML) also show this molecular feature. The following is a brief discussion of the possible biologic and clinical implications of these observations.
Bartram
C R
CR
Department of Pediatrics II, University of Ulm, Federal Republic of Germany.
D011905:Genes, ras; D006801:Humans; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000235:genetics*; D009154:Mutation; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000235:genetics*