Chromosomal translocations and their role in the pathogenesis of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
The discovery that non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are monoclonal and that recurrent chromosomal translocations are involved in their pathogenesis has greatly revolutionised their diagnosis and improved our understanding of these diseases. In the last decades, many genes deregulated by such recurrent chromosomal translocations have been identified. However, we have also learned that these genetic alterations are apparently insufficient, in themselves, to cause neoplastic cell transformation and that more complex genetic events must be involved. This review examines the involved genes in chromosomal translocations and current evidence and postulated mechanisms for their role in the pathogenesis of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
Vega
Francisco
F
Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.
Orduz
Rocio
R
Medeiros
L Jeffrey
LJ
D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D008967:Molecular Biology; D014178:Translocation, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*