Prognostic significance of combined BAALC and MN1 gene expression level in acute myeloid leukemia with normal karyotype

Abstract

Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia with normal karyotype (AML-NK) is the largest group of AML patients with very heterogeneous disease outcome. In order to ensure more precise risk stratification new molecular markers have been introduced, like expression level for BAALC (Brain and Acute Leukemia, Cytoplasmic) and MN1 (Meningioma 1) genes. Methods: In this study, we investigated expression level of both genes in 111 adult AML-NK at diagnosis and examined their prognostic potential. Results: BAALC and MN1 expression were detected in about one third of the patients, and positive correlation between these two genes was found. The BAALC+/or MN1+ status was not associated with the presence of FLT3-ITD mutations, but exhibited strong correlation with NPM1wt status (P