ALK

Type:
Term: ALKDefinition: ALK, or Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase, is a receptor tyrosine kinase that plays a role in the development and function of the nervous system and can be involved in oncogenic processes.Phonetic Pronunciation: (A-L-K)Origin: The term ALK is an acronym for Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase. It originates from the discovery of this enzyme in anaplastic large-cell lymphomas, where it was found to be a result of chromosomal rearrangements. The term 'kinase' comes from the Greek word 'kinesis,' meaning movement, reflecting the enzyme's role in cellular signaling pathways.Significance in Asbestos Context: In the context of asbestos exposure, ALK is significant because alterations in its expression or function have been linked to various cancers, including lung cancer, which is a known risk associated with asbestos exposure. Understanding the role of ALK in cancer development can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of asbestos-related diseases.Example Sentence: Recent studies have shown that mutations in the ALK gene may increase the risk of developing lung cancer in individuals exposed to asbestos.Related Terms: Receptor tyrosine kinase, oncogene, lung cancer, chromosomal rearrangement, anaplastic large-cell lymphoma.Notes: - ALK inhibitors are a class of drugs used to target cancers driven by ALK mutations. - Not all asbestos-related cancers involve ALK mutations, but it is an important consideration in personalized medicine approaches.