Targeting the RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT and P53 pathways in hematopoietic drug resistance

We have presented data which documents the importance of the Raf>MEK>ERK and PI3K>Akt pathways in the development of drug resistance in hematopoietic cells. Further understanding of how these pathways interact and induce drug resistance could result in the identification of novel approaches to treat drug resistance in leukemia. Furthermore, p53 played a role in drug resistance in these cells as introduction of a DN-p53 construct increased the resistance of the cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. The drug-sensitive and drug-resistant FL/ΔAkt:ER+ΔRaf-1:AR cells will allow us the ability to determine not only which downstream components are induced by either Raf>MEK>ERK or PI3K>Akt that are necessary for proliferation and prevention of apoptosis, but also which components are important in drug resistance and how these two pathways can interact to influence drug resistance. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.