Submitted on May 2, 2006
Revised on June 16, 2006
Accepted on June 19, 2006
Mass spectrometry-based proteomic studies of human anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Megan S. Lim and Kojo S.J. Elenitoba-Johnson
Dept. of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine S, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
Corresponding Author: megan.lim{at}path.utah.edu
Malignant lymphomas are a diverse group of malignant neoplasms that arise as a result of a complex interplay of multiple factors including genetic aberrations, immunosuppression, and exposure to noxious agents such as ionizing radiation and chemical agents. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an aggressive T-lineage lymphoma harboring chromosomal translocations involving the ALK tyrosine kinase. The most common translocation in ALCL is the t(2;5)(p23;q35). This results in the formation of a chimeric fusion kinase NPM/ALK. NPM/ALK activates numerous downstream signaling pathways resulting in enhanced survival and proliferation. Using a variety of mass spectrometry-driven proteomic strategies, we have studied several aspects of the ALCL proteome. In this review, we provide a summary of mass spectrometry-based proteomic studies which expands the current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of ALCL and provides the basis for the identification of biomarkers and targets for novel therapeutic agents.