STARC-ABL

STARC-ABL represents a specific type of gene fusion involving the STARC gene and the ABL1 gene. This fusion results in a chimeric protein, often referred to as STARC-ABL1.

This fusion is predominantly identified in hematological malignancies, particularly leukemia. The STARC-ABL1 fusion protein possesses constitutive tyrosine kinase activity, derived from the ABL1 component. This unregulated kinase activity drives uncontrolled cell proliferation and survival, contributing to the pathogenesis of the leukemia.

The STARC gene, encoding a START domain-containing protein, is fused to the ABL1 gene, which encodes a tyrosine kinase. The breakpoint location within each gene can vary, leading to different STARC-ABL1 fusion variants. However, the unifying feature is the presence of the active ABL1 kinase domain.

Detection of the STARC-ABL fusion typically involves molecular diagnostic techniques such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). These methods can identify the presence of the fusion transcript or the genomic rearrangement, respectively.

The identification of STARC-ABL serves as a diagnostic marker and may influence treatment strategies. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), designed to target the ABL1 kinase activity, represent a potential therapeutic approach for patients with STARC-ABL-positive leukemias. The specific efficacy and treatment protocols are subject to ongoing research and clinical trials.