Breakpoint cluster region-Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1 fusion protein (BCR-ABL)

The Breakpoint cluster region-Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1 fusion protein, commonly referred to as BCR-ABL, is a chimeric oncoprotein resulting from the fusion of the BCR gene (on chromosome 22) and the ABL1 gene (on chromosome 9). This hybrid protein exhibits constitutive tyrosine kinase activity, which drives abnormal cell proliferation. BCR-ABL is most famously associated with the Philadelphia chromosome, a hallmark of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and some other leukemias. Several transcript variants exist, including p210 (most common in CML), p190 (more common in ALL), and p230 (a rare variant). Due to its role in driving leukemogenesis and the amenability to targeted treatment, BCR-ABL is a well-validated therapeutic target.

Other names

BCR–ABLPhiladelphia chromosome fusion protein

Inhibition of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase activity