A variety of genetic alterations including MLL translocations, NUP98-fusions, NPM1 mutations, CDX deregulation, and MOZ-fusions lead to high-level HOXA9 expression in acute leukemias.
The MOZ-TIF2 fusion is one of a new family of chromosomal rearrangements that associate HAT activity, transcriptional coactivation, and acute leukemia.
Erythrophagocytosis by neoplastic cells in acute leukemia has been most frequently associated with FAB M4 and M5 subtypes, with the t(8;16) and with C-MOZ rearrangements, however it is exceptional in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and has not been previously reported in Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) acute leukemia.