Translocations involving chromosomes #3 and #12: hematologic diseases associated with abnormalities of these chromosomes

Biphenotypic hematological malignancy with T-lymphoid and myeloid differentiation: association with t(3;12)(p25;q24.3). Case report and review of the literature

Biphenotypic hematological malignancies of T-lymphoid and myeloid differentiation are relatively rare and have most commonly been associated with t(8;13). However, this entity is invariably associated with eosinophilia and generally progresses to acute leukemia within a year of diagnosis. We describe a case of a biphenotypic hematological malignancy with T-lymphoid and myeloid differentiation without associated eosinophilia; however, there was an association with t(3;12)(p25;q24.3) as a sole abnormality and progression to acute leukemia within 10 months of presentation. This association with such a malignancy has not previously been described. Additional cases need to be accrued to determine the prognostic significance and clinical implications of such an association.

Duplication of band 12q24 in acute myeloblastic leukemia

Cytogenetic studies of two patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia, classified as M1 and M2, showed a partial duplication of the distal part of the long arm of chromosome 12 (12q24) as the sole detectable chromosome abnormality. High white blood cell count was common to the two leukemic children. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis with the use of a whole-chromosome 12 painting probe and a telomeric probe confirmed the apparent absence of any translocation. The genes involved in the duplication could not be ascertained, but several candidate genes such as growth-factor receptors or genes encoding transcription factors localized to 12q22-q24 should be investigated in the molecular analysis of these duplications.

Normal blood lymphocytes from patients with adipose tissue tumors with rearrangements at 12q13-q14 do not express the fragile site fra(12)(q13.1)

An association between chromosomal fragile sites and cancer-specific breakpoints has been found to be statistically significant. Cancer patients have been shown to be carriers of fragile sites in chromosome regions involved in rearrangements in malignant cells. Based on these observations it has been hypothesized that fragile sites may be involved in the pathogenesis of human tumors. We have recently described a new recurrent cancer breakpoint at chromosomal region 12q13-q14 in adipose tissue tumors. The possible involvement in these tumors of the rare folate-sensitive fragile site 12q13.1 has been investigated in PHA-stimulated peripheral blood cells from three patients carrying the t(12;16)(q13;p11) in their liposarcoma cells and one patient with the t(3;12)(q28;q14) in his lipoma cells. No expression of the fragile site 12q13.1 could be detected in the blood lymphocytes of any of the patients. The involvement of the fragile site 12q13.1 in the pathogenesis of adipose tissue tumors with a 12q13-q14 breakpoint remains to be established.

Idiopathic myelofibrosis in blast transformation with 4;12 and 5;12 translocations and a 7q deletion

A case of a patient who developed a leukemic transformation following an 8.5-year history of idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF) with myeloid metaplasia is presented. Surface marker analysis identified the blast cells as myeloid in lineage. The karyotype of unstimulated peripheral blood cells was 46,XY,t(4;12)(q26;15),t(5;12)(q13;q24),del(7)(q22). In the literature, the 7q- has a minor association with IMF, and the t(5;12) translocation has been reported in one case of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, but neither the t(4;12) nor the combination of these three abnormalities has been reported in IMF.

Possible cytogenetic marker associated with myelofibrosis in chronic granulocytic leukemia and its prognostic significance

An association between myelofibrosis (MF) and chronic granulocytic leukemia (CGL) has been recognized. MF is usually a sign of a poor prognosis but its relation to other important parameters of CGL is not known. We observed a 54-year-old, white male patient who was well until May 1983 when he began developing gradually increasing right hip and left shoulder pain. Clinical evaluation 3 months later revealed splenomegaly and a white blood count of 126,000 with 29 segmented neutrophils, 22 bands, 7 metamyelocytes, 11 myelocytes, 6 promyelocytes, 5 blasts, 2 eosinophils, 5 basophils, and 3 lymphocytes. Cytogenetic analysis by G-banding technique showed a male karyotype with all 20 bone marrow cells examined positive for the Philadelphia chromosome. The patient was placed on busulfan therapy with good symptomatic improvement, but later suffered severe thrombocytopenia. At the end of October 1983, he was admitted with blast crisis and thrombocytopenia and was initiated on vincristine and cytosine arabinoside therapy. His bone marrow was repeatedly inaspirable and the biopsy was characterized by diffuse fibrosis. Chromosome analysis of 16 spontaneously dividing cells in the blood at this time revealed that 86% of cells had a karyotype of 46,XY,t(9;22)(q34;q11),t(1;3)(p32;p21) with the rest of the cells having only the Ph chromosome. The patient died 4 months later of intracranial hemorrhage. Chromosome #3 involvement has been reported in acute MF and essential thrombocytosis, but no specific cytogenetic abnormalities have been found in MF associated with CGL. It is unclear whether t(1;3) in this case represents a cytogenetic marker of MF or blast transformation, but it is certainly associated with poor prognosis and short survival.

Cytogenetic studies in hairy cell leukemia

Cytogenetic analyses were performed on cells from 17 patients with hairy cell leukemia stimulated with polyclonal B-cell activators (in 155 different cultures). No mitosis was obtained in samples from four cases (23.5%). Of 14 bone marrows, four (28.6%) showed mitoses, two with clonal abnormalities. All four samples from the spleen had mitoses with four clonal changes; eight of 13 (37.5%) blood samples had mitoses with three clonal changes. Of the polyclonal B-cell activators (PBA), lipopolysaccharide and protein A seemed to be effective for the detection of clonal abnormalities in hairy cell leukemia. Among the clonal aberrations, chromosomes #3, #10, and #17 were affected in two cases each; frequent numerical changes were monosomies of #10 and #17 and structural changes were deletions at band 3p21 (two cases), 6q-, and der(9)t(9;?)(p22;?). The chromosomal bands involved in structural changes were close to accepted constitutive fragile sites.

A possible case of chronic leukoerythroblastosis associated with t(12;14)(p13;q22) in bone marrow cells

The case is presented of a 64-year-old man who has had recurrent psychiatric symptoms over several years, and now has minor evidence of a myeloproliferative disorder. He had a buccal carcinoma successfully treated 33 years previously, thus, the possibility of bone marrow infiltration has been excluded. An acquired translocation that was found in his bone marrow cells has not been previously reported in association with any neoplasm. The possible significance of the translocation to this patient is discussed.

Cytogenetic findings in a primary leiomyosarcoma of the prostate

Cytogenetic analysis of a primary leiomyosarcoma of the prostate revealed a clonal chromosomal rearrangement involving chromosomes #2, #3, #9, #11, and #19. The results are discussed in relation to the cytogenetic findings in other solid tumors, especially those of the prostate and leiomyosarcoma at other sites.

Translocation (2;3) in hematologic malignancies

Cytogenetic studies have revealed nonrandom involvement of some chromosomes in specific structural abnormalities in human neoplasias. In this report we present three patients with t(2;3) associated with hematologic malignancies, and review the pertinent literature. These findings lead us to regard the region between 3q26 and 3q29 as implicated in chromosomal changes in these disorders, whereas, no vulnerable point has been observed in chromosome #2. We suggest that these translocations may activate genes on chromosome #3 related to these neoplasias.

The most common fragile site in man is 3p14

In man a common fragile site is known to occur at 3p14. We studied the expression of this fragility in a group of 70 normal healthy subjects. Chromosome breaks, chromatid breaks and gaps at 3p14 could be observed in every examined individual, and in a total of 7000 metaphases they were seen in a mean of 4% of cells. Fluorescence studies in ten persons with chromosome No. 3 polymorphism showed that in all cases both Nos. 3 were about equally liable to breakage. A considerable variation in the fra 3p14 expression was found between individuals as well as in repeated cultures from the same person. Neither sex nor age influences could be detected. Cultures with a high percentage of lesions at 3p14 tended to have also a high number of lesions at other sites. Methotrexate and fluorodeoxyuridine markedly enhanced the expression of fra 3p14 and other fragilities. It is concluded that the chromosomal region at 3p14 represents man's most common fragile site, the expression of which seems to be influenced by environmental and heritable factors.

Abnormalities of the short arm of chromosome 12 in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and dysmyelopoietic syndrome

Abnormalities of the short arm of chromosome #12 (12p) were found in 18 patients, 7 with previously untreated acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) and 11 with dysmyelopoietic syndromes (MDS) or ANLL following treatment for another malignant disease. The chromosome #12 abnormality was a partial deletion in 15 patients and a translocation in 3. The 12p- was the sole chromosomal abnormality in seven patients (four with de novo ANLL) and was associated with other chromosome abnormalities in eight patients. Thus, partial monosomy for 12p was often associated with other chromosomal changes and was a secondary abnormality in some cases. The consequences of this hemizygosity for genes located at 12p are discussed with references to the possible expression of a potentially mutated recessive gene. The study of c-K-ras 2, normally located at 12p, must be done in such cases, as the association of secondary blood disorders and multiple chromosome abnormalities suggests a possible mutation of this c-oncogene on chromosome #12.

Persistent Epstein-Barr virus infection associated with monosomy 7 or chromosome 3 abnormality in childhood myeloproliferative disorders

This report deals with myeloproliferative disorders associated with chronic, persistent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and with monosomy 7 and aberrations concerning chromosomes 3 and 5. Altogether five children were affected, their age ranging from 1 to 4 years at time of clinical diagnosis. Principal symptoms were: hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, recurring upper respiratory tract infection and anaemia. The serum IgG level remained persistently increased. Anti EBV antibody concentrations were measured over a period of 9 months to 6 years, demonstrating persistently increased concentrations of IgG antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA) and against early antigen (EA). In three patients IgA antibodies were also studied and were found to be elevated. Within 2-5 years two children developed chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia from the chronic myeloproliferative syndrome. A third patient who initially was diagnosed as chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia developed acute leukaemia within a period of 12 months. A fourth patient with myeloproliferative syndrome went into spontaneous remission after an observation period of 2 years. A fifth patient, the only one with translocation t(3;5)(q27;q33), displayed symptoms and a clinical course that can best be characterized as juvenile chronic myelocytic leukaemia. The clinical, haematological, serological and cytogenetic findings may be related.

Chromosome 12 rearrangement with breakage at the p11 level in hematologic disorders: report of four cases

Four patients with chromosome #12 rearrangement at the p11 level are described. One had acute promyelocytic leukemia, one had myelofibrosis evoluting to acute undifferentiated leukemia, one had acute nonlymphoid leukemia (ANLL) secondary to Hodgkin's disease, and another had acute leukemia recurring after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. This chromosome abnormality was always associated with other karyotypic aberrations, probably as a secondary event. Possible correlations with recent findings in oncogene research are discussed.

Long arm deletion of chromosome 5 in a case of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

The 46,XY,del(5)(q31),del(12)(p11) and 46,X,-Y,del(5)(q31),del(12)(p11), +mar clones were found in the bone marrow cells of a 64-year-old Japanese man with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). Although the 5q- anomaly has been reported to occur in various hematologic disorders, a literature survey of CMML cases revealed that the present case is the first instance of CMML with the 5q- anomaly. The possible significance of the chromosome findings is discussed.

Clinical correlations of the 3q21;q26 cytogenetic anomaly. A leukemic or myelodysplastic syndrome with preserved or increased platelet production and lack of response to cytotoxic drug therapy

Three patients presenting with acute leukemic disorder and chromosome 3 rearrangement involving bands q21;q26 are reported, and the literature on chromosome 3q abnormalities is reviewed. All reported patients carrying a paracentric 3q inversion or a translocation 3;3 with breakpoints in q21;q26 had a myelodysplastic or acute leukemic disorder with a normal or elevated platelet count and lack of response to cytotoxic drug therapy. They showed an associated incidence of -7 or 7q- anomalies higher than de novo acute leukemia and appear to constitute a definite subgroup of the leukemic disorders with very poor prognosis. The majority of patients showing other chromosome 3 long arm rearrangements showed evidence of leukemic process, were in blastic crisis, or had been exposed to chemotherapy, exhibiting also a higher incidence of associated -5 or -7 cytogenetic abnormalities than is observed in patients not exposed to toxic agents.

Del(3)(p13) in B-prolymphocytic leukemia--a new nonrandom chromosomal aberration possibly related to the c-ras oncogene

Cytogenetic analysis was performed on the leukemic cells from two patients with B-prolymphocytic leukemia. Both patients had del(3)(p13) chromosomal abnormality, as well as other clonal aberrations. Del(3p) was previously reported in one case of B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, and is known to be a specific aberration in small-cell carcinoma of the lung. In B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, as in other B-lymphocytic leukemias/lymphomas, the karyotype often involves chromosomes #3, #6, #11, and #12. All of these chromosomes are suggested sites for the c-ras oncogene family.

Chromosome mapping of cell membrane antigens expressed on activated B cells

Hybrids formed by fusion of either human acute lymphoblastic or chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells and the mouse myeloma P3.X63.Ag8/653 have been used to show that the expression of two cell surface antigens, Bp37 and p76, associated with B cell activation and detected by the monoclonal antibodies BB1 and BB2, respectively, segregate with human chromosomes 12 and 19, respectively. Another antigen expressed on activated B cells (p24) also maps to chromosome 12 (Katz et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 1984. 13: 1008) which is of interest in the light of the frequent involvement of this chromosome in certain B cell leukemias and lymphomas.

Cytogenetics of small cell carcinoma of the lung

Nineteen cell lines derived from various malignant tissues of 15 patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL) have been studied. The results showed heterogeneity in all cell lines, with no one consistent abnormality among them. Cell lines from 11 of the patients had minute and double minute chromosomes, and cell lines from 2 patients had abnormally banding regions, designated as ABRs, as distinguished from homogeneously staining regions (HSRs). The latter 2 and several of the former cell lines were derived from specimens taken before the patients were placed on therapy. All but 2 of the cell lines had a constant marker load, consisting of 24%-35% of the complement. Some markers remained stable through months and years of culture life, while other markers came and went. Chromosomes #1, #6 and #11 were most frequently involved in marker formation in the cell lines, and these were compared to similar markers in direct bone marrow preparations. Chromosome #1 markers were of variable structure, whereas #6 and #11 most often took the form of 6q- and 11p+ markers, with breakpoints most frequently at 6q23-25 and 11p11-12. A 3p- marker was found in a minority of cell lines. All of these markers were also found in direct marrow preparations from some patients with SCCL. Nonmonoclonal tumors arose from inoculation of bimodal cell lines into nude mice, but population selection by undetermined mechanism was evident. Cytogenetic parameters showed no positive correlation with hormone production by these cell lines.

Major karyotype aberrations, including t(3;12), in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome

Cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow cells was performed twice on a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome, specifically, refractory anemia with excess blasts. The patient had a progressive course, with transformation toward acute leukemia and death within 3 months. Chromosome analysis showed major karyotype abnormalities, including dir dup (1p), t(3;12), and a unique breakage of a #15 resulting in t(15;18) and dic(15;21). Involvement of #3 and #12 in a translocation has been recently reported, and a comparison with these cases is made with a discussion of the significance.

Small cell carcinoma of the lung: macrophage-specific antigens suggest hemopoietic stem cell origin

Four surface antigens previously recognized only in macrophages are present on human small cell lung carcinoma cells and tumors. Cancerous cells may arise from macrophage precursors in bone marrow, and these precursors migrate to lung to participate in the repair of damaged tissue produced by continuous heavy smoking. The characteristic presence of neuropeptides such as bombesin in small cell carcinoma, when considered along with these findings, presents new possibilities for the role of such peptides in nervous, endocrine, and immune system function.

The human homologs of the raf (mil) oncogene are located on human chromosomes 3 and 4

Two human genes that are homologous to both the murine transforming gene (oncogene) v-raf and the chicken transforming gene v-mil have been mapped by means of human-rodent somatic cell hybrids to human chromosomes previously devoid of known oncogenes. One gene, c-raf-2, which appears to be a processed pseudogene, is located on chromosome 4. The other gene, c-raf-1, which appears to be the active gene, is located on chromosome 3 and has been regionally mapped by chromosomal in situ hybridization to 3p25. This assignment correlates with specific chromosomal abnormalities associated with certain human malignancies.

Chromosome assignment of monoclonal antibody-defined determinants on human leukemic cells

Hybrids formed between human acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells and mouse myeloma have been used to determine the chromosomal location of genes required for the expression of several monoclonal antibody (mAb)-defined cell surface antigens on ALL cells. Cloned hybrids were tested for antibody binding, immunoprecipitation of the relevant protein, chromosome isoenzyme markers and karyotype. Two antigens of those studies could be definitively mapped, OKT10/p45 to chromosome 4 and BA-2/p24 to chromosome 12. mAb BA-2 reacts with the same protein as another mAb designated 609-29 (anti-teratocarcinoma). Reactivity with the latter mAb has been previously shown to segregate with chromosome 12.

Localization of c-ras oncogene family on human germ-line chromosomes

The c-ras family is a set of c-onc genes that are highly conserved in vertebrates. The genes in this family are homologous to the transforming genes of Harvey and Kirsten murine sarcoma viruses (v-Ha-ras and v-Ki-ras, respectively). Using an in situ molecular hybridization method, we detected three sites on the human pachytene chromosomes that exhibited significant hybridization to v-Ki-ras and v-Ha-ras probes. These were chromomere positions that corresponded to bands 11p14.1, 12p12.1, and 12q24.2 of somatic chromosomes. The relationship between these chromosomal sites and previously defined members of the human c-ras gene family is discussed. These chromosomal sites are known to be involved in specific chromosome changes in a variety of tumors and in several congenital disorders that predispose to neoplastic disease.

Chromosomes and causation of human cancer and leukemia. L. Cytogenetics of leukemias complicating other diseases

Complicating (secondary) leukemias in 20 patients, 18 of whom had various forms of neoplasia treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation, have been examined in regard to the karyotypic findings present in the leukemic cells of the marrow. In addition, the published cases of complicating leukemia have been tabulated. Based on the results of the present study and those in the literature it appears that chromosomes #3 and #17 should be stressed as being nonrandomly involved in complicating leukemia in addition to the previously stressed chromosomes #5 and #7. The results of the present study are discussed in relation to those reported in the literature, and stress put on the significance of cytogenetic changes in relation to possible causative factors of the complicating leukemia. The hypothesis is advanced that these nonrandom chromosome changes may reflect causative specificity of the complicating leukemia and that a concerted effort must be made to obtain more cogent information on the role of noxious agents in the causation of complicating leukemia.