Summary:
TEL and AML1 genes occur in a markedly high number of different aberrations in haematological malignancies.
Besides the AML1, TEL is often fused to genes, which encod thyrosin-kinases. AML1 gene is a part of CBF
transcription factor. AML1 can be altered in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and also in a substantial
number of acute myeloid leukaemias (most frequently as an AML1/ETO fusion). TEL/AML1 fusion gene (derived
from t(12;21)(p13;q22) translocation) became recently one of the most important genetic aberrations in children
with ALL. TEL/AML1 act presumably as dominant inhibitors of the second AML1 allele and thus they block
transcription of genes dependent on CBF factor. Childhood ALL with TEL/AML1 hybrid gene is very frequent
(approximately 22 % of overall childhood ALL in the Czech Republic) and patients with this fusion form relatively
homogenous group. These children are diagnosed mostly in pre-school age as a B cell precursor leukaemias and they
have very good treatment results.
Key words:
TEL, AML1, TEL/AML1 fusion gene, childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
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