# MOLECULAR CYTOGENETICS OF T-CELL LEUKEMIA

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · 1988 · $135,838

## Abstract

In this project we propose to analyze several recurring or unique
chromosomal abnormalities, from T-cell leukemia derived cell
lines or from leukemic primary cells, that involve the T-cell
receptor a-chain gene (TCRA).  This analysis will involve the
determination of the breakpoint junction structure, as well as the
study of the expression of the genes surrounding the breakpoints.
Specifically, we plan to study two t(8;14) (q24;q11) and a t(11;14)
(p15;q11) from different T-cell leukemia cell lines, three inv(14)
(q11;q32) and two translocations, with one breakpoint at 14q11,
present in the primary leukemic cell from different T-cell
leukemia patients.

Using in situ chromosomal hybridization and Southern blot
analysis, we have determined that the breakpoints of the t(8;14)
(q24;q11) occur within the TCRA gene, and in the 3' flanking
region of the MYC gene.  Using genomic clone libraries in phage
gamma vectors, we have isolated the breakpoint junction
sequences from both translocations.  We will complete this
analysis by cloning the reciprocal junctions, sequencing the
regions around all breakpoints, and studying the expression of the
translocated MYC gene at the transcriptional level.

Using similar strategies we will analyze the other chromosomal
abnormalities mentioned above.  In these studies we will use the
new techniques of field inversion gel electrophoresis in order to
detect restriction site rearrangements with the large V alpha and
J alpha regions of the TCRA gene.

The objectives of these studies are:  a) to understand the
mechanisms involved in the origin of these chromosome
rearrangements, b) to identify new genes involved in the
rearrangements, and c) to determine the role of these genes and
the TCRA gene in the oncogenic process.  The information
obtained from these studies will be relevant to the understanding
of the biology of lymphoid neoplasia, and to its prevention and
diagnosis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3176954
- **Project number:** 5R01CA038725-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- **SAM.gov UEI:** ZUE9HKT2CLC9
- **Principal Investigator:** MANUEL ORESTES DIAZ
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1988
- **Award amount:** $135,838
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1987-08-01 → 1990-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3176954

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3176954, MOLECULAR CYTOGENETICS OF T-CELL LEUKEMIA (5R01CA038725-02). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3176954. Licensed CC0.

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