Signaling of the ITK (interleukin 2-inducible T cell kinase)-SYK (spleen tyrosine kinase) fusion kinase is dependent on adapter SLP-76 and on the adapter function of the kinases SYK and zap70

Background: ITK-SYK is an oncogenic fusion protein in patients with peripheral T cell lymphomas carrying a unique translocation. Results: Mutations in critical tyrosines disable the constitutive activity of ITK-SYK. Intracellular signaling of ITK-SYK requires both SLP-76 and the adapter function of SYK/ZAP-70 kinases. Conclusion: The ITK-SYK fusion protein is dependent on adapters. Significance: This study provides insight into the activation and signaling of ITK-SYK. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.