Accession Number:

ADA482539

Title:

A BCR-ABL Kinase Activity-Independent Signaling Pathway in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. 1 Feb 2006-31 Jan 2008

Corporate Author:

BURDICK AND JACKSON LABS INC MUSKEGON MI

Personal Author(s):

• Li, Shaoguang

Report Date:

2008-02-01

Pagination or Media Count:

35.0

Abstract:

The BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate Gleevec is the preferred treatment for human chronic myeloid leukemia CML but does not cure mice with BCR-ABL-induced acute lymphoblastic leukemia ALL similar to CML lymphoid blast crisis. The inability of imatinib to cure CML in mice leads us to hypothesize that a BCR-ABL kinase activity-independent pathway also plays a critical role in the development of this disease. We identified Src kinases as key molecules in this BCR- ABL kinase activity-independent pathway and they are essential for leukemic cells to survive imatinib treatment and for CML transition to lymphoid blast crisis. Inhibition of both SRC and BCR-ABL kinase activities affords complete B-ALL remission. However leukemic stem cell pathways must be targeted for curative therapy of Ph leukemia. We have identified CML stem cells in mice and found that these cells are insensitive to imatinib therapy. Our study suggests that Src kinases may be effective in inhibiting leukemic stem cells and combination therapy using a BCR-ABLSrc inhibitor and an anti-stem cells agent would be beneficial to CML patients. Our work will provide a new therapeutic strategy for CML.

Descriptors:

• *MYELOMA
• *CELLS(BIOLOGY)
• *LEUKEMIA
• *STEM CELLS
• MICE
• CURING AGENTS
• PH FACTOR
• PHOSPHORUS TRANSFERASES
• THERAPY
• MOLECULES
• HUMANS
• STRATEGY
• INHIBITION

Subject Categories:

• Biochemistry
• Medicine and Medical Research

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE