Chromothripsis in hematologic malignancies

Cancer genomes frequently exhibit structural chromosomal rearrangements that alter both the linear order of DNA sequences and gene copy number. These structural variants span a wide spectrum of complexity from simple translocations to intricate rearrangement patterns affecting multiple chromosomes [1]. Complex chromosomal rearrangements, collectively known as chromoanagenesis (derived from the Greek chromo, meaning chromosomes, and anagenesis, meaning rebirth), are ubiquitous in cancer. Chromoanagenesis encompasses diverse phenomena, such as chromosynthesis (involving the reconstitution of chromosomes), chromoplexy (in which chromosomes become intricately braided or intertwined), and chromothripsis (characterized by the fragmentation of chromosomes into pieces) [2].
Source: Experimental Hematology - Category: Hematology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research