The BCR-ABL1 oncoprotein is an abnormal fusion protein resulting from a specific chromosomal translocation (the Philadelphia chromosome). This protein is a hallmark of certain cancers, particularly Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML).
The defining characteristic of the BCR-ABL1 oncoprotein is its constitutive activity. This means the enzyme is permanently switched 'on', unlike its normal counterparts which require specific signals to activate.
Specifically, the BCR-ABL1 protein possesses abnormally high tyrosine kinase activity.
Therefore, the BCR-ABL1 oncoprotein exhibits constitutive activity of a Tyrosine kinase.