The Role of the JAK-STAT Pathway in Childhood B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jun 21;25(13):6844. doi: 10.3390/ijms25136844.

Abstract

B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia is a hematologic neoplasm that poses a serious health concern in childhood. Genetic aberrations, such as mutations in the genes IL-7, IL7R, JAK1, JAK2, TLSP, CRLF2, and KTM2A or gene fusions involving BCR::ABL1, ETV6::RUNX1, and PAX5::JAK2, often correlate with the onset of this disease. These aberrations can lead to malfunction of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which is implicated in various important biological processes, including those related to immunology. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the malfunction of the JAK-STAT pathway holds potential for research on drugs targeting its components. Available drugs that interfere with the JAK-STAT pathway include fludarabine, ruxolitinib, and fedratinib.

Keywords: B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia; JAK–STAT; childhood; genetic aberrations; treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Janus Kinases* / metabolism
  • Mutation
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / genetics
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / metabolism
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / pathology
  • STAT Transcription Factors* / genetics
  • STAT Transcription Factors* / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • STAT Transcription Factors
  • Janus Kinases

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.