Identification of genes located at breakpoints of uncharacterized chromosomal translocations by the use of chromosomal microdissection and next generation DNA sequencing

Background Cancer results from accumulation of pathogenic genetic changes in a somatic cell. Chromosomal translocations (CT) are among the most common molecular changes associated with the development of cancer. The mechanism by which CT causes cancer is through the juxtaposition of two genes, generating a hybrid protein with oncogenic function or through the placing of a protooncogene under the control of a promoter region active in the cell of origin. While most genes located at the breakpoints of common CT have been identified, several, less frequent, CT remain uncharacterized.