JAK2

JAK2 is a protein found inside our blood cells that plays a key role in how cells grow and divide. It acts like a communication switch, transmitting signals from the cell surface to the nucleus, which controls cell function. When JAK2 functions normally, it helps regulate blood cell production. However, mutations can cause JAK2 to become overactive, leading to uncontrolled cell growth, which is linked to certain blood cancers like polycythemia vera and myelofibrosis. In these cases, medications targeting JAK2 can help manage the disease by blocking the faulty signaling.