Structures and Activities of Activated abl Oncogenes

Activated versions of the c-abl proto-oncogene have been recovered in transforming retroviruses of, mice and cats, and have been recovered from various forms of the 9:22 (Philadelphia) chromosomal translocation found in some human leukemias. The purpose of this review is to summarize what is known about the various structures of activated abl oncogenes, what is known about the proteins encoded by the abl proto-oncogene and its activated derivatives, and how domains and biochemical functions ascribed to abl proteins relate to those of other members of the tyrosine kinase family of enzymes. Finally, the far less defined activities of abl proteins in mediating cell transformation and tumor induction will be reviewed.