S. Ghaffari et al., Growth factor independence and BCR/ABL transformation: promise and pitfalls of murine model systems and assays, LEUKEMIA, 13(8), 1999, pp. 1200-1206
The expression of the BCR-ABL fusion oncoprotein in primitive hematopoietic
cells results in chronic myeloid leukemia. Over the past decade studies of
several in vitro and in vivo cell systems revealed multiple signal transdu
ction pathways activated by BCR-ABL. However, the precise function of BCR-A
BL in the pathogenesis of CML is still unclear. The goal of this review is
to synthesize data on intracellular signaling in the context of the diverse
murine assay systems employed. We emphasize the importance of in vivo assa
ys and assays using primary cells in understanding the biology of CML and t
he molecular mechanisms by which BCR-ABL exerts its effects.