ANGIOPOIETIN-1 expression is modulated by leukaemic fusion genes

Expression of angiogenic factors by leukaemic blasts has been correlated with disease progression and survival. ANGIOPOIETIN-1 (ANGPT1) is a soluble proangiogenic cytokine implicated in several myeloid malignancies and shown to promote acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) blast survival and proliferation. In normal haematopoiesis, ANGPT1 plays a role in haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) quiescence. ANGPT1 signalling occurs via the TIE2 receptor or distinct integrins; downstream pathways activated involve AKT, MAPK and STAT3/5, cascades frequently associated with leukaemogenesis. Normally, TIE2 expression is restricted to…