Several recurrent balanced translocations and inversions, and their variants, are recognized in the WHO category acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with recurrent genetic abnormalities. Furthermore, several cytogenetic abnormalities are considered sufficient to establish the WHO diagnosis of AML with myelodysplasia-related features if 20% or more blood or marrow blasts are present.
The RUNX1 gene, located on chromosome 21q22.1, is crucial for the establishment of definite hematopoiesis and the generation of hematopoietic stem cells in the embryo. The most common translocations involving RUNX1 are the t(8;21) RUNX1T1/RUNX1 in AML and t(12;21) ETV6/RUNX1 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), both associated with a more favorable diagnosis. More than 40 different translocation partners have currently been identified making the RUNX1 break apart probe a valuable tool in molecular cytogenetics.
Clinical Applications
- Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)