Molecular Biology of Burkitt’s Lymphoma

作者：Jonathan L. Hecht, Jon Christopher Aster · 发表于：Journal of Clinical Oncology · 年份：2000 · DOI：10.1200/jco.2000.18.21.3707 · 被引用次数：439 · 研究领域：Viral-associated cancers and disorders、Lymphoma Diagnosis and Treatment、RNA modifications and cancer

The diagnostic category of Burkitt's lymphoma encompasses a closely related group of aggressive B-cell tumors that includes sporadic, endemic, and human immunodeficiency virus-associated subtypes. All subtypes are characterized by chromosomal rearrangements involving the c-myc proto-oncogene that lead to its inappropriate expression. This review focuses on the roles of c-myc dysregulation and Epstein-Barr virus infection in Burkitt's lymphoma. Although the normal function of c-Myc remains enigmatic, recent data indicate that it has a central role in several fundamental aspects of cellular biology, including proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, apoptosis, and telomere maintenance. We discuss new insights into the molecular mechanisms of these c-Myc activities and their potential relevance to the pathogenesis of Burkitt's lymphoma and speculate on the role of Epstein-Barr virus.