Background
The MLL1 protein is subject to fusions with parts of other proteins. These fusions cause MLL1 to be active at inappropriate points in blood cell development, leading to leukemias with poor prognoses. Notably, they are found in over 70% of infant leukemias. MLL1 fusions can bind DNA via their CXXC domains. The Bushweller lab has demonstrated these mutations inhibit DNA binding, preventing leukemia in mouse cells. This makes the CXXC domain an excellent target for MLL leukemia treatment.
