The Transcriptional Role of FOXP1 in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Abstract

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a family of lymphoid malignances that are the 6th leading cause of death in Australia. B cell lymhomas account for approximately 90% of all NHL cases, and the common subtypes Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) and Follicular Lymphoma (FL) together make uo 60% of all cases. DLBCL and FL are both germinal centre derived B cell lymphomas, however these malignancies represent opposite ends of the clinical scale, being aggressive compared to indolent disease respectively. Early detection of lymphoma is highly advantageous for aggressive subtypes like DLBCL, where without treatment patient survival can be less than 2 years. Currently, there are very few genes that are found to be associated with the risk of NHL. One gene that has been implicated in NHL development and progression is , but as yet few other genes have been identified. This thesis is aimed at characterising this gene but also identifying other genes involved in NHL. The identification of genes that predispose individuals to the development of NHL may firstly provide a diagnostic tool, and also provide insight into the molecular pathogenesis of this disease. Additionally, molecular characterisation of these genes may also aid in the development of pharmacogenomic therapies.