BRAF mutation in hairy cell leukemia

Abstract

BRAF is aserine/threonine kinase with a regulatory role in the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Mutation in RAF gene, especially in BRAF, leads to increased stimulation of this cascade, causing unchecked cell divisionand development of malignancy. Several mutations have been observed in the gene encoding this protein inavariety of human malignancies, including hairy cell leukemia (HCL). BRAF V600E is the most common mutation reported in exon15 of BRAF, which is observed in almost all cases of classic HCL, while it is negative in other malignancies of B-cell including HCLv, so it can be used as a marker to differentiate these B-cell disorders. Also, we discussed the interaction between miRNAs and signaling pathways including MAPK in HCL. In addition, if this mutation is present, application of BRAF protein inhibitors can be effective in the treatment of these patients. Inthis review article, we have evaluated the role of mutation in the BRAF gene in pathogenesis and progress of HCL.