ETV6/RUNX1 fusion gene and its active role

Recent investigation successfully identified a pre leukemic ETV6/RUNX1-positive clone in the healthy twin of a patient diagnosed with ETV6/RUNXI-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and also some studies with ETV6/RUNX1 knock in mice showed that the expression of the fusion gene is not sufficient for the invivo induction of ALL. Taken together, these data indicate that ETV6/RUNX1-positive leukemia is .generated through a multi-step mechanism, and that accumulation of additional genetic changes is necessary for the development of overt leukemia. Hence, to understand fully the genetic evolution of this disorder, identification of the complete spectrum of genetic changes that accompany the ETV6/RUNX1 fusion gene is necessary. Moreover, critical patho genetic insights may be gained from studying the correlation pattern of the different copy number changes.