Clinical Information

The Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene codes for a tyrosine kinase (JAK2) that is associated with the cytoplasmic portion of a variety of transmembrane cytokine and growth factor receptors important for signal transduction in hematopoietic cells. Signaling via JAK2 activation causes phosphorylation of downstream signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins (eg, STAT5) ultimately leading to cell growth and differentiation. The JAK2 V617F is located in exon 14 and present in 50% to 60% of primary myelofibrosis and essential thrombocythemia, and 95% to 98% of polycythemia vera (PV). In the rest of the PV cases, over 50 different mutations have been reported within exons 12 through 15 of JAK2 and essentially all of the non-V617F JAK2 mutations have been identified in PV. These mutations include point alterations and small insertions or deletions. Several of the exon 12 mutations have been shown to have biologic effects similar to those caused by the V617F mutation such that it is currently assumed other nonpolymorphic mutations have similar clinical effects. However, some mutations may not be well characterized and require further clinical and research evaluation.