Myelodysplastic syndrome genetics

Genetics
Overall, the mutations in the RUNX1/AML1 are the most common point mutations described in MDS to date but RUNX1/AML1 mutations have no distinct hematologic phenotype and are most commonly associated with previous radiation exposure and with a higher risk disease (especially with excess blasts).

Hypermethylation leading to silencing of the p151NK-4b gene is also common in MDS. This phenomenon occurs in up to 80% of the cases with advanced MDS. The silencing of this gene can be reversed by the uyse of demethylating agents such as 5-azacytidine. These agents are pyrimidine analogues that inhibit DNA methyltransferase activity and could improve MDS hematopoiesis by reversing aberrant gene methylation and permitting cellular differentiation.

A number of studies suggest that erythropoietin (EPO) signaling and STAT5 activation is abnormal in MDS. The SOCS1 gene is hypermethylated in 31% of MDS patients which is associated with increased activity of the JAK/STAT pathway.

Microsatellite instability involving defects in the DNA mismatch repair system has been identified in some MDS patients, especially those with therapy-related disease.

The TP53 tumor suppressor gene, which regulates cell cycle progression, DNA repair and apoptosis is mutated in 5-10% of MDS cases. Inactivation of the TP53 gene may contribute to the leukemic progression from MDS.