Transcription factors in hematopoietic malignancies.

Transcription factors comprise a high proportion of the proteins with dysregulated expression or altered activity in cancer cells. In recent years, great progress has been made in elucidating crucial pathways in leukemogenesis, partially by identifying key transcription factors that are normally indispensable for hematopoiesis but which are often associated with malignant transformation when functioning improperly. The significance of transcription factors is highlighted by the multiple mechanisms used by leukemic cells to abrogate their normal activity. Delineating these mechanisms can benefit the diagnosis and treatment of hematological malignancies and might also be applicable to certain solid tumors.