Malignant transformation by abl and BCR/ABL

Activated abl oncogenes have been implicated in causing pre-B lymphoma in mice via Abelson murine leukemia virus, fibrosarcoma in cats via Hardy-Zuckerman feline sarcoma virus II, and, through the Philadelphia chromosome, are linked with the myeloproliferative syndrome chronic myelogenous leukemia and with acute lymphoid and myeloid leukemia in humans. This review will outline the current state of knowledge concerning this important oncogene family, emphasizing recent advances in our understanding.