Mutations of the retinoblastoma gene in human lymphoid neoplasms.

ABSTRACT

The inactivation or loss of tumor suppressor genes (anti-oncogenes) has been implicated as a mechanism central to the pathogenesis of many solid tumors. More recently, we and others have identified a role of one rumor suppressor gene, the retinoblastoma gene, in the development of human lymphoid lymphoma and leukemia. Here we review the involvement of the retinoblastoma gene in the control of normal lymphocyte cell division and the consequences of inactivation of the retinoblastoma gene for the development of lymphoid neoplasia. Our survey has disclosed a broad involvement of retinoblastoma gene inactivation in a wide variety of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and lymphocytic leukemia. Based on these early findings, it appears likely that tumor suppressor genes may well be involved in many hematopoietic neoplasma.