Definition

The TCF3 (E2A) gene is located at 19p13.3 and encodes a transcription factor required for the differentiation of lymphoid progenitor cells. The most common rearrangement is the TCF3-PBX1 fusion resulting from the t(1;19)(q23;p13) translocation; it is found in approximately 5% of B-ALL patients and in 25% of cases with a pre-B (cytoplasmic Ig-positive) phenotype.

Method

FISH analysis

Accepted sample types

Peripheral blood, bone marrow (heparin), lymphoid tissue

Description

Diagnosis and monitoring of pediatric B-ALL.

Inheritance

This is a somatic event; it is acquired in leukemic cells and is not inherited.

Related Tests

Inheritance Patterns

Describes how a genetic condition is passed on within a family. There are five main patterns

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Carrier (Heterozygous / Homozygous)

Why it matters: In autosomal recessive inheritance, when each parent is a carrier (while both appear healthy), the chance of their child being born with the disease is 25% in each

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VUS (Variant of Uncertain Significance)

This is the situation where the test has detected a change in the DNA, but the role of this change in the development of disease is unconfirmed.

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How to Read a Genetic Test Result (Positive / Negative / VUS)

A genetic test result falls into three main categories

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Types of Genetic Tests

A genetic test is a type of medical test that detects changes in genes, chromosomes or proteins. Today there are more than 77,000 genetic tests available.

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