Deciphering the first steps of follicular lymphomagenesis: a comprehensive genetic analysis of follicular lymphoma in situ (in situ follicular neoplasia) and its progression

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Falko Fend; Professorin Dr. Leticia Quintanilla-Martinez de Fend
• Subject Area: Pathology
• Term: from 2016 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 326836665

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent malignant lymphoma in the Western world. The first precursor stage identifiable in tissues is the so-called follicular lymphoma in situ (FLIS). It is characterized by strong overexpression of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 in geminal centers of otherwise normal lymph nodes and is of no clinical relevance, although it already carries the genetic hallmark of follicular lymphoma, namely the translocation t(14;18). Since FLIS shows only low risk for progression, additional genetic alterations are required for the development of manifest disease. Goal of our project ist a comprehensive characterization of genetic alterations in FLIS and their evolution during progression to manifest lymphoma, using state of the art molecular techniques. The project shall provide better understanding of early FL pathogenesis through describing key molecular events driving premalignant t(14;18)+ cells into clinical lymphoma.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants