Which mechanism best explains how the t(14;18) translocation contributes to follicular lymphoma?

• A Constitutive tyrosine kinase signaling through a fusion protein
• B Loss of TP53 checkpoint control leading to genomic instability
• C Overexpression of BCL2, blocking apoptosis of germinal center B cells ✓
• D Overexpression of cyclin D1 driving G1 to S transition

Explanation

Follicular lymphoma is defined by t(14;18)(q32;q21), which places the anti-apoptotic gene BCL2 next to the IgH enhancer. The resulting BCL2 overexpression prevents mitochondrial apoptosis, allowing survival of germinal center C cells that would normally die if they failed affinity maturation. Fusion tyrosine kinases are the mechanism in CML, TP53 loss drives progression rather than initiation, and cyclin D1 belongs to mantle cell lymphoma.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.