Jak2 Tyrosine Kinase and Cancer: How Good Cells Get HiJAKed

Cloned in 1992, Jak2 tyrosine kinase has emerged as a critical molecule in mammalian development, physiology, and disease. Here, we will review the early history of Jak2 as it pertains to its role in classical cellular signaling. We also review how specific structural determinants within Jak2 dictate its overall function. Finally, we will review relatively recent literature as it pertains to the role of Jak2 in neoplastic growth as well as the identification of novel Jak2 inhibitors. It is our hope that by reviewing these specific areas, we will have a better understanding of the role of Jak2 in cancer, and in turn, we may have a better idea as to how to block aberrant Jak2 function.