PNAS: Scientists reveal molecular therms for overcoming leukemia resistance

February 3, 2021 // -- In a recent study published in the international journal PNAS, scientists from Yale University and other institutions have discovered new molecular mechanisms to overcome leukemia resistance. in the
article, the researchers say they have discovered a new metabolic "gatekeeper" mechanism for leukemia, which relies on a molecule called PON2, which could help develop new treatments for a variety of diseases.
photo source: WikipediaB cells are effect cells of the body's adaptive immune system and are characterized by low energy levels, which can effectively prevent leukemia. In the
study, the researchers found that PON2, a high level of detoxifying endolytic enzyme PON2 expressed in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), may act as a special mechanism to promote cell energy production and thus the transformation of leukemia;
PON2 is critical to glucose intake and energy production, while the absence of PON2 may prevent leukemia, and high levels of PON2 can not only predict adverse outcomes in leukemia patients in clinical trials, but also promote the deterioration and progression of the disease, said Markus Müschen, M.D.
researchers, this paper reveals the metabolic mechanism of B cells and the pathogenesis of B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and emphasizes the importance of glucose and energy supply for the transformation process of leukemia.
Finally, from a therapeutic perspective, this paper suggests that PON2 enzyme activity may be used to selectively kill B-ALL cells, targeting PON2 or promising to help develop new therapeutic interventions to overcome resistance to B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the researchers said.
original source: Lili Pan el al., PON2 subverts metabolic gatekeeper functions in B cells to promote leukemogenesis, PNAS (2021).doi:10.1073/pnas.2016553118