Loss-of-function JAK3 mutations in TMD and AMKL of Down syndrome

Abstract

Acquired mutations activating Janus kinase 3 (jak3) have been reported in Down syndrome (DS) and non-DS patients with acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia (AMKL). This highlighted jak3-activation as an important event in the pathogenesis of AMKL, and predicted inhibitors of jak3 as conceptual therapeutics for AMKL. Of 16 DS-transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD)/AMKL patients tested, seven showed JAK3 mutations. Three mutations deleted the kinase (JH1) domain, abolishing the main function of jak3. Another patient displayed a mutation identical to a previously reported inherited loss-of-function causing severe combined immunodeficiency. Our data suggest that both gain-, and loss-of function mutations of jak3 can be acquired in DS-TMD/AMKL. © 2007 The Authors.