CCN3: A NOVel Growth Factor in Leukaemia

The Leukaemias are a group of cancers affecting the white blood cell system. Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is characterised by a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 resulting in the production of the BCR-ABL protein tyrosine kinase. Expression of BCR-ABL in stem cells of the myeloid blood cell population has been shown to be directly responsible for malignant transformation. We identified down-regulation of the negative growth regulator, CCN3, as a consequence of BCR-ABL expression. Investigations have shown CCN3 functions to inhibit cell growth and survival whilst promoting apoptosis; our findings suggest that BCR-ABL utilises CCN3 down-regulation to escape growth control. Further understanding of CCN3 mechanisms are required to develop new therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway.