The CT-element of the c-myc gene does not predispose to chromosomal breakpoints in Burkitt's lymphoma.
BACKGROUND
Chromosomal translocations are causally related to the development of many tumors. In Burkitt's lymphoma, abnormalities involving the c-myc gene are essential. The CT-element of the c-myc promoter adopts non-B-conformation in vivo and in vitro, and therefore provides a potential fragile site.


METHODS
We have developed a LM-PCR-based approach to test if chromosomal breakpoints indeed cluster in this region.


RESULTS
Amplifying both, wild-type as well as the translocated c-myc gene by LM-PCR, it was shown that chromosomal breakpoints did not cluster within the CT-element.


CONCLUSIONS
Therefore, the CT-element is not especially susceptible to the formation of breakpoints leading to chromosomal translocations in Burkitt's lymphoma.
Weber
Achim
A
Institute of Pathology, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55101 Mainz, Germany. weber@pathologie.klinik.uni-mainz.de
Gutierrez
Marina I
MI
Levens
David
D