Translocations

Translocations are chromosomal mutations resulting from an unequal exchange of pieces of genetic material between two chromosomes. In normal human chromosomes, these pieces are subchromosomal elements known as genes. Translocations can occur when chromosomes break and pieces from different chromosomes exchange places, resulting in a rearrangement of the genetic material. Translocations have a range of biological implications and can lead to the formation of cancer cells, certain types of infertility, and certain birth defects. Translocations are also used in the process of gene therapy, where pieces of desired genetic material from external sources are inserted into a chromosome in order to treat a particular genetic disorder. Translocations can also be used in cancer treatments such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, where pieces of genetic material called T-cell receptors are inserted into the patient's T-cells in order to target and kill the cancer cells.