Which oncogene is associated with the Philadelphia chromosome?

The Philadelphia chromosome is a specific genetic abnormality typically found in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and is characterized by the fusion of the BCR gene on chromosome 22 and the ABL gene on chromosome 9. This results in the production of the BCR-Abl fusion protein, which possesses constitutive tyrosine kinase activity, driving uncontrolled cell division and contributing to the oncogenic process.

As such, BCR-Abl is directly linked to the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome. This fusion has significant implications for treatment, as therapies such as imatinib (Gleevec), which specifically inhibit the BCR-Abl protein, have been developed to manage CML more effectively. Understanding this relationship is crucial for interpreting molecular diagnostics and guiding targeted therapies in oncology.

Other options are associated with different oncogenic mechanisms and chromosomal abnormalities. HER2, for instance, is a target in breast cancer but does not relate to the Philadelphia chromosome. Similarly, EGFR and KRAS play significant roles in various cancers, but they are not linked to the specific genetic alteration represented by the Philadelphia chromosome and its resultant BCR-Abl fusion. Therefore, BCR-Abl is the defining oncogene associated with the Philadelphia chromosome, highlighting its significance in