In vivo and in vitro Studies of the Proto-oncogene Evil

Ecotropic viral integration site 1 (Evi1) is a zinc finger containing nuclear protein, which is involved in transcriptional control. Although Evi1 expression during normal embryonic development is essential for survival, the level of expression appears less necessary in the later stages of development. Inappropriate “re-expression” of Evi1 in patient’s hematopoietic precursor cells due to chromosomal abnormalities has been found to be a contributing factor in the development and progression of malignancies such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML).