CAN CLUES TO THE MOLECULAR DEFECTS IN CHRONIC MYELOGENOUS LEUKEMIA COME FROM GENETIC-STUDIES ON THE ABELSON TYROSINE KINASE IN FRUIT-FLIES

Translocations affecting the structure of the c-abl proto-oncogene are involved in the development or progression of chronic myelogenous leu kemia (CML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Leukemic cells from patients with CML show alterations in adhesive properties that may pla y a part in the pathology of these diseases. Mutations in the Drosophi la Abl homolog are lethal and indicate that Abl may mediate processes involving differential cell adhesion. These observations suggest that Abl may regulate similar adhesive processes in human beings and Drosop hila. Genetic analysis of Abl function in Dlosophila has identified no vel proteins that function in Abl-related processes. Analysis of the f unctions of these new molecules may provide insight into mechanisms by which oncogenic abl proteins participate in the etiology of CML and A LL.