Erica Bello

• MSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
• Validation of genetic abnormalities in T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) detected by Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA)

MLPA is a PCR-based technique which enables the detection of copy number abnormalities in patients affected by T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (T-ALL). It has become increasingly important to identify genetic abnormalities in T-ALL patients, as many of these alterations have been linked to a poor prognosis in this disease. My project involved the evaluation of MLPA for the detection of copy number alterations in the MYB oncogene. MYB duplications are a great focus in the investigation of oncogenic events in T-ALL. This study demonstrated that MLPA is a reliable technique for the detection of copy number abnormalities in T-ALL. The extensive use of this technique can provide information about copy number alterations, relevant in predicting prognosis and determining the therapeutic approach.

Funded by: Wellcome Trust