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Molecular Mechanism of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2025 | Viewed by 2754

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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Understanding molecular pathways in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is essential for developing targeted therapies and improving patient outcomes. Recent advancements in molecular techniques have identified numerous mutations and pathways involved in AML pathogenesis. Furthermore, epigenetic alterations have been described in AML. This knowledge has paved the way for precision medicine that addresses specific genetic abnormalities. But still, many open questions remain to improve our understanding of the consequences of specific mutations or aberrant activation of oncogenic pathways.

The current special edition, “Molecular Mechanism of Acute Myeloid Leukemia”, will provide a platform for new and innovative manuscripts that advance our understanding of molecular aberrations in AML.

Prof. Dr. Walter Fiedler
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • leukemia
  • cytokine
  • signal transduction
  • apoptosis
  • immune therapy

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 6944 KiB  
Article
Emergence and Cytogenetic Clonal Evolution of Chromosome 7 Abnormalities in Myeloid Malignancies: Investigating the Role of Telomere Dysfunction
by Carmen Baldazzi, Lorenza Bandini, Valentina Robustelli, Agnese Patuelli, Claudia Venturi, Alessandra Grassi, Giulia Marzocchi, Angela Ielpo, Vincenza Solli, Maria Teresa Bochicchio, Stefania Paolini, Chiara Sartor, Federico Zingarelli, Antonio Curti, Emanuela Ottaviani and Nicoletta Testoni
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1162; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031162 - 29 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Monosomy 7 and deletion 7q are common chromosomal abnormalities in myeloid malignancies, and they are associated with a poor prognosis. The mechanism underlying their acquisition remains elusive. We identified a cohort of 24 patients exhibiting clones with different chromosome 7 abnormalities, such as [...] Read more.
Monosomy 7 and deletion 7q are common chromosomal abnormalities in myeloid malignancies, and they are associated with a poor prognosis. The mechanism underlying their acquisition remains elusive. We identified a cohort of 24 patients exhibiting clones with different chromosome 7 abnormalities, such as deletion 7q, unstable derivatives (ring chromosomes or ‘naked’ centromeres), and monosomy 7. We designated this group as having cytogenetic clonal evolution of chromosome 7 abnormalities (CCE7). In some cases, CCE7 correlated with disease progression, suggesting that deletions or other derivatives involving the q-arm of chromosome 7 may arise early in the disease course. These abnormalities may be transient but can potentially evolve into monosomy 7. Within the CCE7 group, telomere loss or shortening may contribute to chromosomal instability and the emergence of unstable derivatives, as the chromosome 7 derivatives displayed loss or rearrangement of subtelomeric regions. Moreover, we identified variants in genes implicated in telomere biology disorders and observed specific genetic mutation profiles associated with different chromosome 7 abnormalities. These findings shed light on a potential mechanism leading to monosomy 7 through the evolution of chromosome 7q abnormalities. Identifying patients at risk of developing monosomy 7, based on the presence of unstable derivatives with telomere loss or a specific mutation profile, could potentially enhance patient management and guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanism of Acute Myeloid Leukemia)
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Review

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51 pages, 1310 KiB  
Review
Ferritin in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Not Only a Marker of Inflammation and Iron Overload, but Also a Regulator of Cellular Iron Metabolism, Signaling and Communication
by Håkon Reikvam, Magnus Gramstad Rolfsnes, Linn Rolsdorph, Miriam Sandnes, Frode Selheim, Maria Hernandez-Valladares and Øystein Bruserud
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(12), 5744; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26125744 - 15 Jun 2025
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Abstract
Ferritin is important for cellular iron storage and metabolism. It consists of 24 ferritin heavy- or light-chain subunits surrounding an iron-containing core, but it is also released as an extracellular molecule that shows increased systemic levels during acute-phase reactions. Furthermore, acute myeloid leukemia [...] Read more.
Ferritin is important for cellular iron storage and metabolism. It consists of 24 ferritin heavy- or light-chain subunits surrounding an iron-containing core, but it is also released as an extracellular molecule that shows increased systemic levels during acute-phase reactions. Furthermore, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive bone marrow malignancy that can be associated with increased ferritin levels both at the time of first diagnosis but also during/following anti-AML treatment due to an iron overload. Such high systemic ferritin levels at diagnosis or later allogeneic stem cell transplantation are associated with decreased long-term survival. Extracellular ferritin binds to several receptors expressed by AML cells (e.g., the transferrin receptor and CXCR4 chemokine receptor) and AML-supporting non-leukemic bone marrow cells (e.g., endothelial, mesenchymal or immunocompetent cells). Ferritin can thereby affect the AML cells directly as well as indirectly via AML-supporting neighboring cells. Finally, ferritin should be regarded as a regulator of the dysfunctional iron metabolism that causes increased iron levels in AML cells, and it is important for cell survival through its function during the initial steps of ferroptosis. Thus, ferritin is not only an adverse prognostic biomarker, but also an important regulator of AML cell proliferation, survival and chemosensitivity and the targeting of iron metabolism/ferroptosis is, therefore, a possible strategy in AML therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanism of Acute Myeloid Leukemia)
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16 pages, 2702 KiB  
Review
Harnessing Azelaic Acid for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment: A Novel Approach to Overcoming Chemoresistance and Improving Outcomes
by Silvia Di Agostino, Anna Di Vito, Annamaria Aloisio, Giovanna Lucia Piazzetta, Nadia Lobello, Jessica Bria and Emanuela Chiarella
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(9), 4362; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26094362 - 3 May 2025
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Abstract
Azelaic acid (AZA), an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid (HOOC-(CH2)7-COOH), is widely used in dermatology. It functions as an inhibitor of tyrosinase, mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes, and DNA synthesis, while also scavenging free radicals and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by neutrophils. [...] Read more.
Azelaic acid (AZA), an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid (HOOC-(CH2)7-COOH), is widely used in dermatology. It functions as an inhibitor of tyrosinase, mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes, and DNA synthesis, while also scavenging free radicals and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by neutrophils. AZA has demonstrated anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects on various cancer cells. However, its therapeutic potential in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains largely unexplored. AML is a complex hematologic malignancy characterized by the clonal transformation of hematopoietic precursor cells, involving chromosomal rearrangements and multiple gene mutations. The disease is associated with poor prognosis and high relapse rates, primarily due to its propensity to develop resistance to treatment. Recent studies indicate that AZA suppresses AML cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and arresting the cell cycle at the G1 phase, with minimal cytotoxic effects on healthy cells. Additionally, AZA exerts antileukemic activity by modulating the ROS signaling pathway, enhancing the total antioxidant capacity in both AML cell lines and patient-derived cells. AZA also sensitizes AML cells to Ara-C chemotherapy. In vivo, AZA has been shown to reduce leukemic spleen infiltration and extend survival. As our understanding of AML biology progresses, the development of new molecularly targeted agents, in combination with traditional chemotherapy, offers the potential for improved treatment outcomes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of preclinical evidence on the therapeutic potential of AZA in AML, consolidating current knowledge and identifying future directions for its clinical application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanism of Acute Myeloid Leukemia)
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