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Breakage of the T cell receptor α chain locus in non malignant clones from patients with ataxia telangiectasia

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Summary

Patients with ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) develop specific chromosome translocations, which may confer a proliferative advantage, resulting in the appearance of large clones in the peripheral blood lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are not malignant. Using in situ hybridisation techniques we have investigated a consistent 14q11 translocation break-point observed in a t(X;14)(q28;q11) translocation clone from each of two different patients and a t(14;14)(q11;q32) clone from a third patient. In all cases the chromosome translocation involved breakage within the α chain locus of the T cell receptor (TCRα), between the variable and constant regions, at 14q11. Chromosome rearrangement involving breakage within TCRα can therefore precede the development of malignancy. Further chromosomal rearrangement may be required in these patients, for progression to the leukaemic state.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cancer Research Campaign Laboratories, Department of Cancer Studies, University of Birmingham, Medical School, B15 2TJ, Birmingham, UK

    A. Heppell, S. V. Butterworth, R. J. Hollis, A. A. Kennaugh & A. M. R. Taylor

  2. Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Capetown, Rondebosch, Capetown, South Africa

    D. W. Beatty

Authors
  1. A. Heppell
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  2. S. V. Butterworth
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  3. R. J. Hollis
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  4. A. A. Kennaugh
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  5. D. W. Beatty
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  6. A. M. R. Taylor
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Heppell, A., Butterworth, S.V., Hollis, R.J. et al. Breakage of the T cell receptor α chain locus in non malignant clones from patients with ataxia telangiectasia. Hum Genet 79, 360–364 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00282177

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00282177

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