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Abstract AML is a heterogeneous group of disorders with heterogeneity is mainly attributed to the associated molecular defect. Although outcome in AML has improved over the last few decades yet is far from satisfaction and a significant part of the pathogenesis still to be uncovered (Mya et al., 2013). Cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities at diagnosis are currently recognized as not only prognostic but also crucial for identifying AML fully in individual patient (Harrison et al., 2010; Szczepański et al., 2010). FAP-1 is a high-molecular-weight (270 kDa) non receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase which is widely expressed in almost all tissues. It is encoded by PTPN13 gene (PTPL1/ FAP-1). It is involved in cellular proliferation and apoptosis (Sato et al., 1995; Mangeat et al., 1999; Abaan et al., 2008). The aim of this study is to evaluate the FAP-1 gene expression in newly diagnosed AML patients. The study included 20 newly diagnosed AML patients (11 males and 9 females) aged between 18 and 68 years old and 12 age and sex matched apparently healthy individuals (5 males and 7 females) aged between 22 and 63 years old. All patients were subjected to the following: thorough clinical history, full physical examination and laboratory investigations including complete blood count, liver function, kidney function tests, prephiral blood film, bone marrow film, Immunophenotyping, conventional cytogenetic and/or molecular genetics and FAP-1 gene expression by qRT-PCR. This study showed that FAP-1 expression was significantly lower in AML patients compared to controls. Within patients group, patients with relatively high FAP-1 expression had significantly higher Hb level and platelet count but lower WBCs count compared to those with lower expression level. In addition, there was a negative correlation between Fap-1 expression and LDH and creatinine levels. Study of the patient response in relation to FAP-1 expression showed that only one patient out of 7 with FAP-1 expression ≤ 0.03945 achieved CR while 8 out of 13 patients with FAP-1 expression <0.03945 were in CR at day 28 of intensive chemotherapy. This study showed FAP-1 as a promising marker in predicting the prognosis of AML. This is particularly relevant in the subgroup of patients with normal karyotype who will be dissected by FAP-1 expression level into heterogeneous risk subgroups. In our study there was no significant difference of FAP-1 expression in different AML FAB subtypes. |