Breakpoint Cluster Region-Abelson Tyrosine Kinase

BCR-ABL kinase is a constitutively active, chimeric tyrosine kinase formed by the fusion of the breakpoint cluster region (BCR) gene and the Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1 (ABL1) gene. This fusion, resulting from the Philadelphia chromosome translocation, leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation and reduced apoptosis in leukemic cells. It is a key therapeutic target in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and some cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Mutations within the BCR-ABL kinase domain are a major mechanism underlying resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

Other names

BCR-ABLBCR/ABL fusion proteinPhiladelphia chromosome tyrosine kinase

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) bind to the ATP-binding site of BCR-ABL, preventing its autophosphorylation and downstream signaling.