Activation of JAK2 by chromosomal translocations or point mutations is a frequent event in haematological malignancies. Recent results from the Cancer theme have identified a previously unrecognized nuclear role for Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) in the phosphorylation of H3Y41, and reveal a direct mechanistic link between two genes, jak2 and lmo2, involved in normal haematopoiesis and leukaemia. These results provide the first demonstration that a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase can modify chromatin.
Section:
Cancer
