title: Molecular genetics of acute myeloid leukemia.
abstract: Recurring chromosomal abnormalities are detected in most patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). They may be associated with a distinct AML FAB subtype or may identify distinct clinicobiological entities within the same FAB subtype. Therefore, cytogenetic investigation has a pivotal role in AML diagnosis. In addition, it is one of the most valuable prognostic determinants of the disease, as recently demonstrated. The development of new molecular techniques, such as reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization, has allowed perfect definition of the chromosome regions containing genes with a crucial role in normal hemopoiesis and leukemia. Understanding the action of such genes provides new insights into AML pathogenesis and has led us to envisage new therapeutic options.
authors.affiliation: Department of Blood, Heart and Lung Medical Sciences of the University of Pavia and Division of Hematology, Policlinico San Matteo IRCCS, Pavia, Italy. p.bernasconi@smatteo.pv.it
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bernasconi
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boni
authors.forename: Paola Maria
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Cavigliano
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Calatroni
authors.forename: Ilaria
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Giardini
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rocca
authors.forename: Marilena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Caresana
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D007446:Chromosome Inversion; D050657:Core Binding Factor alpha Subunits; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007951:Leukemia, Myeloid / Q000235:genetics*; D009006:Monosomy; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D018168:Receptors, Retinoic Acid / Q000235:genetics; D000072482:Retinoic Acid Receptor alpha; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000235:genetics; D050656:Transcription Factor AP-2; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics; D014178:Translocation, Genetic; D014314:Trisomy
chemical_list: D050657:Core Binding Factor alpha Subunits; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; C000607071:RARA protein, human; D018168:Receptors, Retinoic Acid; D000072482:Retinoic Acid Receptor alpha; D015534:Trans-Activators; D050656:Transcription Factor AP-2; D014157:Transcription Factors; C406688:core binding factor alpha