Towards a molecular understanding of polycythemia rubra vera

Polycythemia rubra vera (PV) is one of four diseases collectively called th e myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs). Each disorder leads to an increased production of one or several hematopoietic cell lineages. MPDs arise from a cquired mutations in a pluripotent hematopoietic stem cell. However, the mo lecular mechanisms leading to the development of these diseases are poorly understood. This review will summarize and evaluate recent advances in our understanding of one particular MPD, PV.