title: Fusion genes in malignant neoplastic disorders of haematopoietic system.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The new World Health Organization's (WHO) classification of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissue neoplasms incorporating the recurrent fusion genes as the defining criteria for different haematopoietic malignant phenotypes is reviewed. The recurrent fusion genes incorporated in the new WHO's classification and other chromosomal rearrangements of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissue neoplasms are reviewed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cytokines and transcription factors in haematopoiesis and leukaemic mechanisms are described. Genetic features and clinical implications due to the encoded chimeric neoproteins causing malignant haematopoietic disorders are reviewed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Multiple translocation partner genes are well known for leukaemia such as MYC, MLL, RARA, ALK, and RUNX1. With the advent of more sophisticated diagnostic tools and bioinformatics algorithms, an exponential growth in fusion genes discoveries is likely to increase.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Demonstration of fusion genes and their specific translocation breakpoints in malignant haematological disorders are crucial for understanding the molecular pathogenesis and clinical phenotype of cancer, determining prognostic indexes and therapeutic responses, and monitoring residual disease and relapse status.
authors.affiliation: a Advanced Medical and Dental Institute , Universiti Sains Malaysia , Kepala Batas , Penang , Malaysia.
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saleem
authors.affiliation: a Advanced Medical and Dental Institute , Universiti Sains Malaysia , Kepala Batas , Penang , Malaysia.
authors.forename: Narazah Mohd
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Yusoff
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics; D050939:Gene Fusion; D006453:Hemoglobinopathies / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000235:genetics*; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000235:genetics*; D015514:Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / Q000235:genetics*; D014178:Translocation, Genetic
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D015514:Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
keywords: Fusion genes; Leukaemia; Translocations