ROR1: an orphan becomes apparent

Since its initial identification in 1992 as a possible class 1 cellsurface receptor without a known parent ligand, receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) has stimulated research, which has made apparent its significance in embryonic development and cancer. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was the first malignancy found to have distinctive expression of ROR1, which can help distinguish leukemia cells from most noncancer cells. Aside from its potential utility as a diagnostic marker or target for therapy, ROR1 also factors in the pathophysiology of CLL. This review is a report of the studies that have elucidated the expression, biology, and evolving strategies for targeting ROR1 that hold promise for improving the therapy of patients with CLL or other ROR1-expressing malignancies.

Automated summary

ROR1 is a cell receptor with significant importance in embryonic development and cancer. It plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of CLL and has distinctive expression in this malignancy. Researchers have conducted studies on the expression, biology, and therapeutic strategies targeting ROR1.