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Fusion GenesMLL gene and fusion partners AF4 and AF9

MLL fusion partners AF4 and AF9 interact at subnuclear foci

Leukemia volume 18, pages 92–102 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

The MLL gene is involved in translocations associated with both acute lymphoblastic and acute myelogenous leukemia. These translocations fuse MLL with one of over 30 partner genes. Collectively, the MLL partner genes do not share a common structural motif or biochemical function. We have identified a protein interaction between the two most common MLL fusion partners AF4 and AF9. This interaction is restricted to discrete nuclear foci we have named ‘AF4 bodies’. The AF4 body is non-nucleolar and is not coincident with any known nuclear structures we have examined. The AF4–AF9 interaction is maintained by the MLL–AF4 fusion protein, and expression of the MLL–AF4 fusion can alter the subnuclear localization of AF9. In view of other research indicating that other MLL fusion partners also interact with one another, these results suggest that MLL fusion partners may participate in a web of protein interactions with a common functional goal. The disruption of this web of interactions by fusion with MLL may be important to leukemogenesis.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Dr Jay Hess for the MLL-AF4 plasmid and for helpful advice during the course of this work and preparation of the manuscript. This work was supported by grants 2P01CA400046-11A1 and K01 CA78318 from the National Cancer Institute and a gift from the Cheli's Kids Foundation.

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  1. P H Domer: Currently at Northwestern University School of Law, Chicago, IL, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

    F Erfurth & P H Domer

  2. Department of Pediatrics and the Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA

    C S Hemenway & A C de Erkenez

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  1. F Erfurth
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Erfurth, F., Hemenway, C., de Erkenez, A. et al. MLL fusion partners AF4 and AF9 interact at subnuclear foci. Leukemia 18, 92–102 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.leu.2403200

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