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Abnormalities at 14q32.1 in T cell malignancies involve two oncogenes.
Y Pekarsky1, C Hallas, M Isobe
1Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
Summary
Researchers discovered a new oncogene, TCL1b, near the known TCL1 oncogene. Both genes are activated in T cell leukemia due to chromosomal changes, indicating two oncogenes are involved in this cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Human Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The TCL1 oncogene on human chromosome 14q32.1 is implicated in T cell leukemia development.
- Its activation in leukemia is linked to chromosomal translocations and inversions at 14q32.1.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel member of the TCL1 gene family.
- To investigate the role of this new gene in T cell malignancies.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of the TCL1b gene.
- cDNA sequencing and protein analysis.
- Gene expression profiling in normal and cancerous tissues.
Main Results:
- A new TCL1 gene family member, TCL1b, was identified approximately 16 kb centromeric to TCL1.
- TCL1b cDNA encodes a 14-kDa protein with 60% similarity to Tcl1.
- Both TCL1 and TCL1b show low expression in normal bone marrow and lymphocytes but are upregulated in T cell leukemia.
Conclusions:
- Chromosomal rearrangements at 14q32.1 in T cell malignancies involve at least two oncogenes: TCL1 and the newly identified TCL1b.
- The similar expression patterns suggest a coordinated role in T cell leukemogenesis.