What Causes Translocation and Is It Treatable?

Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD

Translocation is a genetic abnormality in which part of a chromosome moves to another chromosome.

Chromosomes are genetic structures within cells that hold genes. When translocation occurs, it causes flaws in chromosomes, which can lead to serious genetic and health conditions like cancer.

This article will cover the types of translocation, what causes translocation, and the conditions it can lead to.

Types of Translocation

There are two types of translocation. Each type is characterized by how the chromosome moves to another chromosome.

The types of translocation include:

• Reciprocal: Occurs when two fragments break off from two different chromosomes and swap places.
  

• Robertsonian: Occurs when one chromosome becomes attached to another.
  

What Causes Translocation?

There are several causes of chromosome translocation. Causes include radiation and chemotherapy, or it may happen spontaneously from issues during replication, when the gene's DNA is copied in cells.

Usually, when there is a break in a chromosome, there is a response from the cells that will work to repair the break and restore the chromosome.

Translocation mutations are most harmful in a sperm, ovum, or zygote. At these stages, there was only one copy of each chromosome. The one cell multiplies into millions of cells, forming the tissues and organs. The translocation and its changes in genetic information will affect each cell.

Sometimes, the translocation happens after conception. When this happens it creates two populations of cells—one with normal chromosomes and one with the translocation. This is known as mosaicism.

Conditions Caused by Translocation

Chromosomal translocation is a significant cause of many conditions, including:

• Cancer: Translocation plays a large role in the development of cancer. Chronic myeloid leukemia is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many white blood cells. It is caused by the translocation of chromosome 9 and chromosome 22, when portions of each chromosome are swapped. This type of translocation is called the Philadelphia chromosome.

• Infertility: Chromosomal translocation has been shown to decrease fertility. An example is men who have Robertsonian translocation. This is seen in 1 in 1,000 men. These men have decreased fertility but pregnancy is possible.

• Genetic conditions like Down syndrome: Translocation Down syndrome is a type of Down syndrome that is caused when a chromosome breaks off and relocates to another chromosome. There are no differences between those with this type of Down syndrome and those with trisomy 21 Down syndrome (genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome).

• Schizophrenia: This is a serious mental disorder that can cause several symptoms that affect how they a person perceives things, their sense of self, and how they think. It can be caused by a chromosomal deletion or duplication.

Is Translocation Contagious?

Translocations are not infectious. You can't pass translocations from social interactions, sexual contact, or blood donation.

Is Translocation Treatable?

There is no cure for chromosomal translocation. They're usually present in each cell of your body and will remain for life.

That said, you can be healthy if you have a balanced translocation (a condition in which part of a chromosome has broken off and reattached in another location). Problems only happen with reproduction. The risk of miscarriage increases.

Summary

Translocation is a genetic abnormality in which chromosomes break and relocate to another chromosome. This can cause serious health and genetic conditions like Down syndrome and cancer. Translocation can be caused by radiation and chemotherapy, oryy they can happen spontaneously. A healthcare provider specializing in genetics can discuss a person's risk for developing a condition related to translocation.