Molecular Genetic Approach of Gastric MALT Lymphoma

ABSTRACT

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a common low grade B-cell lymphoma arising from a background of chronic inflammatory disease at a number of mucosal sites. The association between Helicobacter pylori and gastric MALT lymphoma is well known and it appears that H. pylori is critical for lymphomagenesis and also creates a microenvironment favoring the growth of neoplastic B cells. The understanding of MALT lymphoma biology has significantly improved, and at least 4 recurrent translocations t(11;18)/API2-MALT1, t(1;14)/IGH-BCL10, t(14;18)/IGH-MALT1 and t(3;14)/IGH-FOXP1 have been implicated in the pathogenesis of MALT lymphoma. Here, we review the recent advances in association of microorganisms with MALT lymphoma and the molecular genetics underlying the lymphoma development.