The Pathogenesis of Polycythemia Vera
This video illustrates the pathogenesis of polycythemia vera (PV), a myeloproliferative neoplasm that arises from overproduction of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. The cause of PV is unknown, but may be related to a mutation in the gene coding for the Janus-associated kinase 2 (JAK2) protein. The JAK-STAT pathway helps to regulate normal blood cell production. In PV, the JAK-STAT pathway becomes overactive, leading to an increased number of red blood cells, but overproduction of white blood cells and platelets may also occur. Understanding the cellular origins of PV may lead to further insights into its clinical manifestations, including symptomatology and potential for disease progression.