JAK2 is a protein that functions as a signal to regulate cell functions. It sends messages in the cell, telling it to grow and make more cells, or else to stop when the body does not need more cells.
Researchers believe that in MPD patients, the mutation in JAK2 enhances messages asking for more cell production. The result is too many blood cells which clog the blood and make it sticky.
The JAK2 mutation (also called the V617F JAK2) is found in about:
- half of patients with too many platelets in their blood (ET)
- half of patients with too many fibroblasts in their blood (MF)
- 95 per cent of patients with too many red cells in their blood (PV).
The test for the JAK2 mutation is very simple and can be done on a teaspoon of blood; results generally take 1-2 weeks.
It's thought the JAK2 mutation is likely to occur as a result of some damage to the bone marrow, for example as a result of viral infections or background radiation.
- half of patients with too many platelets in their blood (ET)
- half of patients with too many fibroblasts in their blood (MF)
- 95 per cent of patients with too many red cells in their blood (PV).
The test for the JAK2 mutation is very simple and can be done on a teaspoon of blood; results generally take 1-2 weeks.
It's thought the JAK2 mutation is likely to occur as a result of some damage to the bone marrow, for example as a result of viral infections or background radiation.