# The t(11;19) translocation in mucoepidermoid carcinoma creates a CRTC1-MAML2 fusion

Source: https://onco.cc/key-papers/paper-tonon-crtc1-maml2-nat-genet-2003/  
OnCo record `paper-tonon-crtc1-maml2-nat-genet-2003` (Key paper). Data CC BY-NC 4.0, attribute "Data from OnCo (onco.cc)"; commercial use needs a licence.

## TL;DR

This study identified the gene fusion (CRTC1-MAML2, originally called MECT1-MAML2) created by the characteristic chromosome translocation in mucoepidermoid carcinoma, giving the tumour a defining molecular marker.

## Summary

Molecular characterisation of the recurrent t(11;19)(q21;p13) translocation in mucoepidermoid carcinoma showing fusion of the CREB coactivator MECT1 (CRTC1) to the Notch coactivator MAML2, producing a fusion protein that disrupts Notch signalling and activates CREB targets.

## Fields

- Kind: Key paper
- Last checked: 2026-09-17
- Journal: Nature Genetics
- Year: 2003
- DOI: 10.1038/ng1083
- Authors: Tonon G, Modi S, Wu L, et al.
- Findings: Recurrent CRTC1-MAML2 fusion in mucoepidermoid carcinoma from the t(11;19) translocation.
- What it means: CRTC1-MAML2 fusion testing supports the diagnosis of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, particularly in difficult cases, and fusion-positive tumours tend to be lower grade with a better outlook.
- Caveats: Not yet a therapeutic target.

## Sources

- Nat Genet 2003: https://doi.org/10.1038/ng1083
- PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12539049/

## Connected records

- cancers: [Mucoepidermoid carcinoma](https://onco.cc/cancers/mucoepidermoid-carcinoma/)
- journals: [Nature Genetics](https://onco.cc/journals/nature-genetics/)

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