Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026
08:31
Murine Model of Leukemia Relapse to Induction Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Published on: October 17, 2025
581
Insights into germline predisposition to pediatric lymphoid malignancies
Roshina Thapa1, Kim E Nichols1, Richa Sharma2,3
1Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
Leukemia
|September 9, 2025
Summary
Genetic predisposition is increasingly recognized in pediatric lymphoid malignancies. Pathogenic variants in key lymphocyte development genes heighten cancer risk, influencing clinical care and research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric oncology
- Cancer genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- Hematopoietic malignancies (HM) are the most common pediatric cancers, with lymphoid malignancies being the predominant subtype.
- While many lymphoid malignancies occur sporadically, influenced by environmental factors, genetic predisposition is increasingly identified.
- Germline genetic testing in children with cancer has revealed significant genetic contributions to lymphoid malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review genetic predispositions to lymphoid malignancies in children.
- To focus on the underlying biological defects associated with these genetic predispositions.
- To discuss the oncologic and non-oncologic manifestations linked to genetic risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of genetic predispositions to lymphoid malignancies.
- Analysis of pathogenic variants in genes crucial for lymphocyte development.
- Examination of associated clinical manifestations.
Main Results:
- Pathogenic variants in genes regulating lymphocyte development (e.g., differentiation, DNA repair, apoptosis) increase lymphoid malignancy risk.
- Specific genetic defects underlie various predispositions.
- These genetic factors are associated with distinct oncologic and non-oncologic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Genetic predisposition is a critical factor in pediatric lymphoid malignancies.
- Understanding these genetic defects is vital for improved clinical care and research.
- Further investigation into genetic predispositions will enhance management and outcomes for affected children.
Related Concept Videos
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
4.7K
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
4.7K
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
5.1K
Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
5.1K
01:20Mismatch Repair
6.3K
Organisms are capable of detecting and fixing nucleotide mismatches that occur during DNA replication. This sophisticated process requires identifying the new strand and replacing the erroneous bases with correct nucleotides. Mismatch repair is coordinated by many proteins in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
The Mutator Protein Family Plays a Key Role in DNA Mismatch Repair
The human genome has more than 3 billion base pairs of DNA per cell. Prior to cell division, that vast amount of genetic...
The Mutator Protein Family Plays a Key Role in DNA Mismatch Repair
The human genome has more than 3 billion base pairs of DNA per cell. Prior to cell division, that vast amount of genetic...
6.3K
01:16Primary Lymphoid Organs
14.7K
Primary lymphoid organs are pivotal in the formation, development, and maturation of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that serve as the backbone of our immune system. This crucial function underscores their fundamental role in maintaining our overall health and immunity. The two primary lymphoid organs of prime importance are the red bone marrow and the thymus.
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
14.7K
02:41Lethal Alleles
17.7K
Agouti: A Lethal Allele
Lucien Cuénot discovered lethal alleles in 1905 while studying the inheritance of coat color in mice. The agouti gene is responsible for the color of the coat in mice. This gene codes for an agouti-signaling protein, which is responsible for melanin distribution in mammals. The wild-type allele gives rise to gray-brown coat color in mice, while the mutant allele gives rise to yellow coat color. In addition to coat color, the agouti gene is associated with the yellow...
Lucien Cuénot discovered lethal alleles in 1905 while studying the inheritance of coat color in mice. The agouti gene is responsible for the color of the coat in mice. This gene codes for an agouti-signaling protein, which is responsible for melanin distribution in mammals. The wild-type allele gives rise to gray-brown coat color in mice, while the mutant allele gives rise to yellow coat color. In addition to coat color, the agouti gene is associated with the yellow...
17.7K
02:59Cancer Prevention
7.7K
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
7.7K