The MALT1 gene was identified through its involvement in t(11;18)(q21;q21), seen in 30% of cases of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. The t(11;18)(q21;q21) is restricted to MALT lymphomas and has not been detected in nodal or splenic marginal zone lymphomas, diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, or other non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The second most frequent translocation identified in MALT lymphoma is the t(14;18)(q32;q21) IGH/MALT1. The t(14;18)(q32;q21) IGH/MALT1 is found most often in MALT lymphomas arising at non-gastric sites and is identified in 5-25% of cases arising in the ocular adnexa, lung, salivary gland and skin.
The oncogenic activity of MALT1 is linked to its involvement of the CARMA1-BCL10-MALT1 (CBM) complex in antigen receptor-mediated activation of the transcription factor NF-kB, which controls the expression of numerous anti-apoptotic and proliferation-promoting genes.
Clinical Applications
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL)
- Solid Tumors (Solid Tumors)