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Release Date: 16th January 2003
An abnormal gene found in a particularly aggressive form of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia comes under investigation by University of Leicester scientists, thanks to a grant of £140,000 from the Leukaemia Research Fund (LRF).
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukaemia in the western world, affecting 2,750 people in the UK each year. Some CLL patients may have no specific symptoms for several years, while others may have a form of disease which is more difficult to treat.
Professor Martin Dyer from the Department of Haematology and the MRC Toxicology Unit in Leicester, explained: "We know that patients with the more rapidly-progressing form of CLL may have an abnormal gene called BCL11A, but as yet we do not understand how this influences the development of their cancer. This same gene abnormality has also been found in a number of other leukaemias, and related cancers of the blood.
"This grant from the Leukaemia Research Fund will enable us to investigate how this gene functions in leukaemia," he added. Professor Dyer is collaborating with Dr David Heery from the Department of Biochemistry.
LRF Scientific Director, Dr David Grant, commented: "It is clear that BCL11A abnormalities have an important role in certain leukaemias, both in terms of the disease and response to treatment. It is vital we learn more about the effect of this gene abnormality on blood cell production.
"The substantial funding that LRF has awarded these projects is a sign of our commitment to finding better treatments for leukaemia, lymphoma and related blood diseases," he adds.
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