MYB Deletion

Deletions of 6q are the fourth most common chromosome aberrations in B-CLL. In around 10% of cytogenetically abnormal patients there is a deletion of 6q, the breakpoint for which has been variously reported to be in either 6q13, q15 or q21. The MYB gene (Avian Myeloblastosis Viral Oncogene Homolog) is a homologue of the avian v-myb oncogene and has been shown to be expressed in all immature lymphoid and myeloid T cells but not in mature T or B-cells. The MYB gene is a marker for 6q as it is situated distal to the most proximal breakpoint of 6q (6q21) in 6q23.3.