The significance of CUX1 and chromosome 7 in myeloid malignancies

Purpose of review 

Loss of chromosome 7 has long been associated with adverse-risk myeloid malignancy. In the last decade, CUX1 has been identified as a critical tumor suppressor gene (TSG) located within a commonly deleted segment of chromosome arm 7q. Additional genes encoded on 7q have also been identified as bona fide myeloid tumor suppressors, further implicating chromosome 7 deletions in disease pathogenesis. This review will discuss the clinical implications of del(7q) and CUX1 mutations, both in disease and clonal hematopoiesis, and synthesize recent literature on CUX1 and other chromosome 7 TSGs.

Recent findings 

Two major studies, including a new mouse model, have been published that support a role for CUX1 inactivation in the development of myeloid neoplasms. Additional recent studies describe the cellular and hematopoietic effects from loss of the 7q genes LUC7L2 and KMT2C/MLL3, and the implications of chromosome 7 deletions in clonal hematopoiesis.

Summary 

Mounting evidence supports CUX1 as being a key chromosome 7 TSG. As 7q encodes additional myeloid regulators and tumor suppressors, improved models of chromosome loss are needed to interrogate combinatorial loss of these critical 7q genes.