We have identified a rare BCR-ABL chimaeric gene with multiplex and nested RT-PCR in a patient with an unusually aggressive chronic myeloid leukaemia. cDNA sequencing showed an in-frame rearrangement with a breakpoint in BCR exon e13 (b2) and fusion with ABL exon 3 following skipping of the entire ABL exon a2. These data confirm the heterogeneity of breakpoints in BCR-ABL rearrangements.

Keywords:
b2a3 chimaeric gene, BCR-ABL rearrangement, Chronic myeloid leukaemia, cDNA sequencing, RT-PCR
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© 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
2002
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