PML-RARA fusion gene is primarily linked to which condition?

The PML-RARA fusion gene is primarily associated with promyelocytic leukemia, specifically acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). This condition is a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), characterized by the presence of the promyelocytic leukemia (PML) gene fused with the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARA) gene. The resulting fusion protein alters normal myeloid differentiation and leads to the accumulation of promyelocytes in the bone marrow.

In APL, the PML-RARA fusion disrupts the normal function of retinoic acid signaling, which is critical for myeloid differentiation. This disruption is not only key in the pathogenesis of the disease but also influences treatment responses. The introduction of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) has dramatically improved the prognosis for patients with APL, as it can effectively induce differentiation of the immature promyelocytes.

The conditions listed in the other options are linked to different genetic alterations or do not involve the PML-RARA fusion. For instance, chronic myeloid leukemia often involves the BCR-ABL fusion gene, while acute lymphoblastic leukemia is associated with other genetic anomalies and not the PML-RARA fusion. Follicular lymphoma