Translocation (8;14) is characteristic of –
**Core Concept**
Translocation (8;14) is a chromosomal abnormality involving the c-MYC gene on chromosome 8 and the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene on chromosome 14. This genetic rearrangement leads to the overexpression of the c-MYC oncogene, contributing to the development of a specific type of lymphoma.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In Burkitt's lymphoma, the translocation (8;14) results in the juxtaposition of the c-MYC gene with the immunoglobulin heavy chain enhancer, leading to the overexpression of c-MYC. This overexpression disrupts normal cell cycle regulation, promoting uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor formation. The c-MYC gene plays a crucial role in cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, and its dysregulation is a hallmark of Burkitt's lymphoma.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** While Ataxia-telangiectasia is a genetic disorder that predisposes to lymphomas, it is not specifically associated with the translocation (8;14). Instead, it is characterized by mutations in the ATM gene, leading to defective DNA repair and increased cancer risk.
**Option B:** Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is associated with the BCR-ABL fusion gene resulting from the translocation t(9;22), also known as the Philadelphia chromosome. This genetic abnormality is a hallmark of CML, but not the translocation (8;14).
**Option C:** Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) can involve various chromosomal abnormalities, but the translocation (8;14) is not a characteristic feature of ALL. While some cases of ALL may have c-MYC rearrangements, they are not limited to the translocation (8;14).
**Option D:** CML is characterized by the BCR-ABL fusion gene, not the translocation (8;14). The Philadelphia chromosome is a specific chromosomal abnormality associated with CML, but not the translocation (8;14).
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The translocation (8;14) is a diagnostic hallmark of Burkitt's lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is aggressive and highly malignant. Recognizing this genetic abnormality is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
**β Correct Answer: A. Burkitt's lymphoma**