The Emerging Role of Bcr-Abl-Induced Cystoskeletal Remodeling in Systemic Persistence of Leukemic Stem Cells

Abl kinase plays a critical role in development and homeostasis of hematopoietic system. The importance of this kinase becomes apparent from the consequences of a specific, reciprocal translocation between chromosome 9 and chromosome 22 that yields a chimeric fusion protein, Bcr-Abl, in which the function of auto-regulatory mechanisms are inactivated. The resultant constitutively active kinase is responsible for development of a systemic leukemogenic phenotype. Studies employing currently available highly specific inhibitors, with high potency to block kinase activity, uncovered unanticipated characteristics of Bcr-Abl fusion protein. It became apparent that the kinase domain, with its primary significance for development and progression of leukemia, is not solely responsible for leukemogenic features of the Bcr-Abl transformed leukemic stem cells. In this review we summarize current understanding of non-enzymatic characteristics of Bcr-Abl, its effect on actin cytoskeleton, and its potential contribution to drug resistance and systemic persistence of leukemic stem cells.