Chromosome 14: a breakpoint in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

In non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chromosome abnormalities are found that are characteristic for the type of the lymphoma. These chromosomal abnormalities provide a tumour-specific marker and seem to play a role in the oncogenesis of the lymphoma. Chromosome 14 is involved in many lymphomas. The immunoglobulin heavy chain gene and the alpha and delta chain genes for the T cell receptor are located on this chromosome, genes which are essential for the function of B or T lymphocytes. These genes are involved in the specific translocations seen in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Their role and the role of oncogenes in the oncogenesis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are discussed. The oncogene tcl-1 is also located on chromosome 14.