Activation Of Cellular Oncogenes in Hemopoietic Cells by Chromosome Translocation

Abstract

This chapter discusses the myc/IgH translocation. It considers the nature of the variant forms of the plasmacytoma and Burkitt translocations. The bcr–abl recombination that creates the Philadelphia chromosome is also described and its role in the development of chronic myeloid leukemia is considered. Three putative oncogenes—pvt-1, bcl-1, and bcE-2—have been identified at the translocation junctions in lymphoid tumors by the molecular cloning of “aberrant” immunoglobulin gene rearrangements. Several other chromosomal abnormalities specific to particular lymphoid and myeloid neoplasms are assessed in the chapter for the possible involvement of oncogenes. The challenge for the future is not o..