Targeting the Oncogenic Tyrosine Kinase NPM-ALK in Lymphoma: The Role of Murine Models in Defining Pathogenesis and Treatment Options

Oncogenic tyrosine kinases play a ever growing role in the pathogenesis of human malignancies. In human non-hodgkin lymphomas, the NPM-ALK oncogene arising from the t(2;5) chromosomal translocation represents the most important oncogenic tyrosine kinase identified so far. The ALK-kinase is constitutively activated by NPM-induced dimerization and signals through a multitude of growth promoting and antiapoptotic pathways. Murine models have made a significant impact on the elucidation of the molecular pathogenesis and new treatment options of malignant diseases. Here, the latest developments in the analysis of NPM-ALK induced lymphomagenesis by murine models is reviewed.