Introduction

JAK2 (Janus Kinase 2) is a Tyrosine Kinase located in cytoplasm with essential role in signaling pathways for cytokines and growth factors. The acquired mutation G1849T replaces valine with phenylalanine (V617F). This substitution results in constitutively active JAK2 which leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation in the absence of growth factors. This mutation is found in the majority of BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) and has become a main diagnostic test for polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). JAK2 MQ kit provides a ready-to-use Real-Time PCR system for detection and quantitation of JAK2 V617F mutation with Rotor- Gene or StepOne machines. In this method application of fluorescent dye labeled probes allows detection of amplified product without requiring post-amplification analysis, reducing the possibility of contamination with the PCR product.