Wilms' tumor gene 1 in hematological malignancies: friend or foe?

Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) is a transcription and post-translational factor that has a crucial role in the biological and pathological processes of several human malignancies. For hematological malignancies, WT1 overexpression or mutation has been found in leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. About 70-90% of acute myeloid leukemia patients showed WT1 overexpression, and 6-15% of patients carried WT1 mutations. WT1 has been widely regarded as a marker for monitoring minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia. Many researchers were interested in developing WT1 targeting therapy. In this review, we summarized biological and pathological functions, correlation with other genes and clinical features, prognosis value and targeting therapy of WT1 in hematological features.

Automated summary

Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) plays a crucial role in the biological and pathological processes of several human malignancies, especially in hematological malignancies such as leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. WT1 overexpression or mutation is commonly found in acute myeloid leukemia patients, and it has been widely regarded as a marker for monitoring minimal residual disease. Many researchers are interested in developing targeted therapy for WT1. This review provides a summary of the functions, correlation with other genes, clinical features, prognosis value, and targeting therapy of WT1 in hematological malignancies.