The term lymphoma identifies a heterogeneous group of biologically and clinically distinct neoplasms that originate from the lymphoid organs and have historically been divided into two distinct categories, namely non−Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL). During the past 3 decades, signifi cant progress has been made in elucidating the molecular pathogenesis of lymphoid malignancies as a clonal malignant expansion of B cells (in the majority of cases) or of T cells. The molecular characterization of the most frequent genetic abnormalities associated with lymphoma development has led to the identifi cation of a number of protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that are altered in B-cell NHL (B-NHL), and whose abnormal functioning contributes to lymphoma pathogenesis. Relatively less is known about the pathogenesis of T-cell NHL (T-NHL) and HL. This chapter will focus on the molecular pathogenesis of the most common types of lymphoma, including B-HNL, T-NHL, HL, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), which also derives from mature B cells. Emphasis will be given to the mechanisms of genetic lesion and the nature of the involved genes in relationship to the normal biology of lymphocytes.
Molecular Biology of Lymphoma
PASQUALUCCI, Laura;
2011
Abstract
The term lymphoma identifies a heterogeneous group of biologically and clinically distinct neoplasms that originate from the lymphoid organs and have historically been divided into two distinct categories, namely non−Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL). During the past 3 decades, signifi cant progress has been made in elucidating the molecular pathogenesis of lymphoid malignancies as a clonal malignant expansion of B cells (in the majority of cases) or of T cells. The molecular characterization of the most frequent genetic abnormalities associated with lymphoma development has led to the identifi cation of a number of protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that are altered in B-cell NHL (B-NHL), and whose abnormal functioning contributes to lymphoma pathogenesis. Relatively less is known about the pathogenesis of T-cell NHL (T-NHL) and HL. This chapter will focus on the molecular pathogenesis of the most common types of lymphoma, including B-HNL, T-NHL, HL, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), which also derives from mature B cells. Emphasis will be given to the mechanisms of genetic lesion and the nature of the involved genes in relationship to the normal biology of lymphocytes.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
