Scientists Identified Gene Mutations Which Caused Leukaemia

Scientists, in the last week of March 2011, at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute UK, for the first time identified genetic mutations that lead to the development of acute myeloid leukaemia. It will help into discovering new treatments to stop the growth of cancer.

Scientists found how some common gene mutations in acute myeloid leukaemia begins the process of cancer growth by working together with other mutations. According to the scientific discovery, three groups of mutations cause acute myeloid leukaemia. The most common mutation implicated in the cancer is to the Npm1 gene. When the scientists switched this gene on in blood cells in mice, it increased the ability of cells to renew them, a sign of cancer. Scientists also found two additional types of mutations. One mutation affects cell division and growth whereas the other modifies the cell’s environment.

Acute myeloid leukaemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. During acute myeloid leukaemia- the bone marrow responsible for producing blood cells- starts producing immature white blood cells. This changes the balance of the blood in human body.