Implications of Janus Kinase 2 Mutation in Embolic Stroke of Unknown Source

The role of genetic mutations in cerebral ischemia is not completely understood. Among these genetic variations, Philadelphia-negative gain-of-function mutation in the janus kinase 2 (JAK2) protein leads to overexpression of the genes involved in cell growth and proliferation, and has been linked to development of hematological malignancies, specifically, myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs; essential thrombocythemia [ET], polycythemia vera [PV], and primary myelofibrosis). Overt ET and PV are known to induce a prothrombotic state that leads to development of vascular complications, including cerebral arterial or venous thrombosis.

Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases - July 26, 2018 Category: Neurology Authors: Gabriela Trifan, Neelofer Shafi, Fernando D. Testai Source Type: research