Lipid rafts are plasma membrane microdomains characterized by a unique lipid environment enriched in gangliosides and cholesterol, leading to their insolubility in nonionic detergents. Many receptors are constitutively or inducibly localized in lipid rafts, which have been shown to function as platforms coordinating the induction of signaling pathways. In this report, the first evidence is prov...

The Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase is the causative factor in most chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients. We have shown that Bcr-Abl is associated with a cluster of signaling proteins, including Janus kinase (Jak) 2, growth factor receptor binding protein 2-associated binder (Gab) 2, Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3beta. Treatment of CML cell lines and mouse Bcr-Abl+ 32D cells with eith...

Chorea is a rare complication of polycythemia. We report the case of a 70 year-old woman whose polycythemia vera (PV), with Janus Kinase-2 (JAK2) mutation, presented as chorea. Chorea resolved quickly after hydroxyurea therapy.

The selectivity of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) is still a matter debate, as no JAKi specific for only one (JAK) isoform. Currently approved JAKis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) all inhibit JAK1, which an effective therapeutic target RA. Although selective JAK1 inhibition seems not to decrease drug efficacy, may modify the safety profile this class. Indeed, balance benefit and risk inhibiting ...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The classic BCR-ABL negative myeloproliferative disorders are at a crossroads of rapidly evolving pathogenetic understanding, leading to changes in diagnostic criteria and potentially targeted therapy. This review focuses on the implications of these changes relative to current standards. RECENT FINDINGS The V617F activating mutation of Janus kinase 2, and associated paralle...

Activation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) plays a critical role in normal hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. Dawson et al. (2009; JAK2 phosphorylates histone H3Y41 and excludes HP1alpha from chromatin. Nature 461, 819-822) report that JAK2 performs this function by displacing the heterochromatin protein HP1α from chromatin through phosphorylation of histone H3.