 The E2A-HLF fusion gene transforms human pro-B lymphocytes by interfering with an early step in apoptotic signaling.     ///    "SLUG, a ces-1-related zinc finger transcription factor gene with antiapoptotic activity, is a downstream target of the E2A-HLF oncoprotein.. "    ///    We conclude that SLUG is an evolutionarily conserved transcriptional repressor whose activation by E2A-HLF promotes the aberrant survival and eventual malignant transformation of mammalian pro-B cells otherwise slated for apoptotic death.. 