The Effect of Bcr-Abl Protein Tyrosine Kinase on Maturation and Proliferation of Primitive Haematopoietic Cells

Abstract

We conclude that no subpopulation of CML stem cells displays significantly increased cell cycling. Thus, increased cycling cannot be a direct consequence of Bcr-Abl PTK acquisition in highly enriched stem cells from patients with CML. In vivo CML need not be considered a disease of unbridled stem cell proliferation, but a subtle defect in the balance between self renewal and maturation.