![Suppressing Leukemia Progression]()
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are poorly understood malignant diseases caused by overproduction of white cells, red cells or platelets. Some types of MPN can develop into acute leukemia. In a paper published online on February 23 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine involving a newly developed mouse model of MPN, Ulrich Steidl, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues describe a novel tumor suppressor role for the gene NOL3 in MPN. NOL3 had previously been shown to be an oncogene in other tissue types. The researchers also found that the NOL3 gene is deleted and its levels are lower in a subset of patients with MPNs. This major finding regarding the biology of MPNs means that NOL3 should be considered important for preventing disease progression in a subset of patients, as opposed to being a driver of disease. This insight may help researchers develop new approaches for targeted therapies for MPNs and leukemia. Dr. Steidl is professor of cell biology and of medicine, and is the Diane and Arthur B. Belfer Faculty Scholar in Cancer Research.
Posted on: Friday, April 07, 2017