Related Experiment Videos
PRAD1, a candidate BCL1 oncogene: mapping and expression in centrocytic lymphoma
C L Rosenberg1, E Wong, E M Petty
1Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
Summary
The PRAD1 gene, a potential oncogene, is closely located to the BCL1 region. Its overexpression is linked to centrocytic lymphoma and other B-cell neoplasms, suggesting it may be the "BCL1 oncogene".
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Rearrangement of the BCL1 region on chromosome 11q13 is characteristic of centrocytic lymphoma.
- The specific protooncogene deregulated by BCL1 rearrangement was previously unidentified.
- PRAD1, a novel cyclin-encoding gene, is located near BCL1 and implicated in other cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify transcribed sequences near BCL1 breakpoints.
- To investigate the role of PRAD1 in B-cell neoplasms, particularly centrocytic lymphoma.
Main Methods:
- Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to determine the proximity of BCL1 and PRAD1.
- Analysis of PRAD1 mRNA expression in various lymphoma subtypes.
- Detection of BCL1 DNA rearrangement in lymphoma samples.
Main Results:
- BCL1 and PRAD1 are located within 130 kilobases of each other.
- PRAD1 mRNA was highly expressed in all tested centrocytic lymphomas but not in related non-centrocytic lymphomas.
- BCL1 rearrangement was detected in some centrocytic lymphomas and in two chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cases that overexpressed PRAD1.
Conclusions:
- PRAD1 is a strong candidate for the 'BCL1 oncogene'.
- PRAD1 overexpression, potentially due to BCL1 region rearrangement, may be a key pathogenetic mechanism in centrocytic lymphoma.
- PRAD1 represents a unifying molecular feature in centrocytic lymphoma.