Pathological Roles of p18 Deficiency Toward B Cell Malignances

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 2448-2448
Author(s):  
Sha Hao ◽  
Fang Dong ◽  
Wen Zhou ◽  
Hui Cheng ◽  
Shihui Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Absolute Number ◽  
Cell Development ◽  
B Cell Development ◽  
B Cell Malignancies ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Hematopoietic Malignancies ◽  
Low Expression

Abstract The cyclin-dependent kinases inhibitor CDKN2C (p18INK4C, p18) is a member of the INK4 family that specifically blocks the activity of CDK4/6 in the G1 phase of cell cycle. In the hematopoietic system, deletion of p18 was indicated to be associated with T cell malignancies in mice and B cell malignancies in humans. Moreover, p18 deficiency is a poor prognosis factor for the patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, a formal investigation on the pathological roles of p18 deficiency in hematopoietic malignancies, especially B cell malignancies is lacking. In this study, we first obtained direct clinical relevance of p18 deficiency with hematopoietic malignancies. Based on the Oncomine data set analysis, low expression of p18 was found in the patients with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (54 out of 80). In addition, by Gene expression Profile (GEP) analysis (n=361) and multi-color FISH analysis (n=265) of first-visit MM patients, there were 11% MM patients showed low expression and 9.06% biallelic deletion of p18 gene respectively, which was correlated with poor prognosis. Further analysis indicated higher expression of c-Myc, Bcl-2 and TRAF3 in p18-deleted MM patients or MM cell lines. We then focused on the impact of p18 deletion on B cell development with the mice deficient in p18 (p18-/-). The frequency and absolute number of B220+ B cell were significantly decreased in the bone marrow (21.075±0.168% vs 13.956±1.613%, n=5) or spleen (49.320±1.773 vs 35.35±1.673, n=5) of p18-/- mice. Secretion of immunoglobulin (Ig) from plasma cells was also impaired. Furthermore, p18-/- BM or enriched hematopoietic stem cell (LSK+) transplantation also recaptured the deficiency of mature B cells in the recipients despite higher repopulation in the p18-/- group. Ectopic over-expression of p18 in the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) via retroviral transduction could partially correct the abnormality of p18-/- B cells in the transplant recipients. These results suggested that the defect of B cell development in the absence of p18 was intrinsic to the hematopoietic cells, rather than extrinsic (via micro-environmental). To further define the effects of p18 deficiency on HSPCs prior to B cell commitment, we enumerated the frequencies of LT-HSC, MPP, CMP, GMP, MEP, Lin-IL-7R+ and CLP cell populations in p18-/- or control mice. There was no significant difference in the frequency or absolute number of CMP, GMP, MEP, or CLP between p18-/- and control groups. Notably however, the colony-forming cells of pre-B cells in p18-/- BM were significantly increased (24.4±2.1 vs 32.6±1.8, n=5). Moreover, we also examined the B cells at different developmental stages including pre-pro-B cell, pre-B, immature-B and mature B cells in BM, as well as transitional stage 1(T1), transitional stage 2 (T2) and mature B cells in the spleen. Our data showed an accumulation of the cells at pre-B cell stage in the absence of p18, while dramatically decreased at mature B cells stage. To further explore the molecular basis, single cell RT qPCR analysis was performed and revealed that the transcription factors including Foxo1, Rag2, E2A, EBF1and Pax5 were significantly higher inCLP, pro-B, pre-B, immature-B subpopulations of p18-/- group. However, lamada 5, which is necessary for B cells maturation, was remarkably decreased in p18-/- immature B cells compared with control group. Taken together, our study provides definitive evidence for the disruption of B cell development due to p18 deficiency and this new evidence underlies the pathological contributions of p18 down-regulation or deletion to B cell malignancies in humans. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals FBXW7 Is Critical for B1 Cell Maintenance and Function

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 2565-2565
Author(s):  
Parham Ramezani-Rad ◽  
Charlotte R Leung ◽  
John R Apgar ◽  
Robert C Rickert
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Peritoneal Cavity ◽  
Cell Development ◽  
B Cell Development ◽  
Conditional Knockout ◽  
B Cell Malignancies ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
B1 Cells ◽  
Stimulation Of

Abstract Background: The E3 ubiquitin ligase Fbxw7 is responsible for the proteasomal degradation of several oncogenes involved in cellular proliferation, growth and survival. Notably, Fbxw7 has been characterized as a tumor suppressor in a variety of cancers, including T ALL and CLL. In the absence of Fbxw7, hematopoiesis is defective leading to abnormal development of B and T cells. In these mice, hematopoietic stem cells have impaired self-renewal due to stabilization of c-Myc. Fbxw7 targets several well-characterized molecules (c-Myc, Mcl1, p100, cyclin E, mTOR, SREBP1) with essential functions in B cells. We have recently shown that glycogen synthase kinase 3 (Gsk3), which is negatively regulated by PI3K signaling, controls the metabolic needs of B cells (Jellusova et al., 2017 Nat. Immunol.). A number of Gsk3 substrates are phosphorylated and degraded via the proteasome through recognition of Fbxw7. We sought to investigate the GSK3-FBXW7 axis in B cells and its implications for B cell malignancies. Results: To elucidate the role of Fbxw7 in B cells, we studied Fbxw7 in a conditional knockout mouse model. We crossed Fbxw7fl/flmice with Mb1Cre mice to ablate Fbxw7 during early B cell development. In the absence of Fbxw7, B cells passed through their developmental stages and showed no significant signs of maturation defects in the bone marrow. However, mature recirculating B cells were nearly absent in Fbxw7-deficient animals. Correspondingly, peripheral B cells in the spleen were reduced and showed specific decreases in follicular B cells. Histological analysis of the spleen architecture showed intact B cell follicles with presence of marginal zone B cells. In B cell malignancies, mutations of FBXW7 have been reported in CLL, for which the normal counterpart are B1 cells. We analyzed the B1 cell compartment in the peritoneal cavity in the absence of Fbxw7. Loss of Fbxw7 resulted in drastic reductions of B1 cells in the peritoneal cavity. Both B1a and B1b cells were mutually affected in these mice. To further characterize this B1 cell defect, we generated a novel acute deletion model for Fbxw7. We crossed Fbxw7fl/flmice with hCD20Cre-ERT2 and administered tamoxifen by oral gavage to induce genetic ablation. Acute deletion of Fbxw7 lead to reduction of B1 cells within a few weeks, indicating the importance of Fbxw7 for the maintenance of B1 cells. When challenged with T cell-independent immunizations the overall antibody responses where reduced. BCR-stimulation of cells in vitro showed diminished growth and signaling potential of knockout cells. These cells have reduced calcium signaling and undergo massive apoptosis. The survival defect could be partially rescued with co-stimulation of IL-4 or ectopic expression of BCL2. Conclusion: Our findings identify Fbxw7 as a critical regulator of B cell development. Specifically, Fbxw7 regulates B cell signaling, development and maintenance of B1 cells. These findings are directly relevant to the pathogenesis of CLL. Loss of function mutations of FBXW7 in CLL likely occur later during tumor evolution and potentially contribute to the specific microenvironmental niche. Disclosures Rickert: Pfizer: Employment.

scholarly journals The Tetraspanin CD53 Regulates Early B Cell Development By Promoting IL-7R Signaling

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 79-79
Author(s):  
Zev J. Greenberg ◽  
Darlene A. Monlish ◽  
Rachel L. Bartnett ◽  
Jeffrey J. Bednarski ◽  
Laura G. Schuettpelz
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Cell Development ◽  
B Cell Development ◽  
Cellular Migration ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Human Phenotype

The tetraspanin CD53 has been implicated in B cell development and function. Tetraspanins are a family of transmembrane proteins important for organization of the plasma membrane and regulation of cellular migration, adhesion, and activation. CD53 has been shown to be a transcriptional target of EBF1, a critical transcription factor for early B cell development. Additional signaling for early B cell development occurs through the IL-7 receptor (IL-7R), where ligation promotes continued B cell differentiation and pro-survival/anti-apoptotic gene expression. Human deficiency of CD53 results in recurrent infections and reduced serum immunoglobulins. While prior studies have implicated a role for CD53 in regulating mature B cells, its role in early B cell development is not well understood. Herein, we show that CD53 expression rapidly increases throughout B cell development, beginning at the pre-pro-B cell stage. With a CRISPR-generated knockout mouse, we show that Cd53-/- mice have significantly reduced bone marrow (25% fewer, p<0.005), splenic (35% fewer, p<0.05), lymphatic (65% fewer, p<0.0001), and peripheral (30% fewer, p<0.005) B cells compared to wild-type (WT) littermate controls. Mirroring the human phenotype, Cd53-/- mice have significantly reduced serum IgG and IgM (40% reduced, p<0.01). In addition, hematopoietic stem cells isolated from Cd53-/- mice give rise to 30% fewer B cells compared to controls in vitro (p=0.005). Analysis of bone marrow B cell development demonstrates that this loss of B cells originates with early B cell progenitors, which express nearly 50% less IL-7Ra than WT and reduced IL-7 signaling. Using mass cytometry, we identified differential signaling pathways downstream of IL-7R in B cell progenitors. Specifically, we observe impaired PI3K and STAT5 activation in pre-pro- and pro-B cells in the absence of CD53, with a consequent increase in apoptosis in these populations (p<0.01). Decreased STAT5 phosphorylation was confirmed by western blot. Finally, co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrate a physical interaction between CD53 and IL-7Ra, suggesting that these proteins associate at the cell surface. Together, these data suggest a novel role for CD53 during IL-7 signaling to promote early B cell development. Ongoing studies are focused on determining the CD53 residues required for interaction with IL-7R. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Conditional Knockout of Sox4 Markedly Affects B Lymphopoiesis in Adult Mice.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 2524-2524
Author(s):  
Baohua Sun ◽  
Saradhi Mallampati ◽  
Yun Gong ◽  
Donghai Wang ◽  
M. James You ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Development ◽  
B Cell Development ◽  
Conditional Knockout ◽  
B Lymphopoiesis ◽  
Cell Stage ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Adult Mice

Abstract Abstract 2524 Poster Board II-501 B cells constitute an integral part of the immune system. The development of mature B cells from hematopoietic stem cells is a complex process that is regulated in a hierarchical order by various proteins, particularly transcription factors. Sox4 is a SRY-related HMG box containing transcription factor and is known to be involved in B cell development. However, the role of Sox4 in various stages of B cell development has not been systematically investigated. In this study we used a conditional knockout mouse strain and studied the effect of Sox4 deletion in B lymphopoiesis in adult mice. We crossed the Sox4-floxed mice with different Cre mouse strains that were expected to delete the floxed Sox4 gene at different B cell developmental stages. These Cre strains included Vav-iCre (expressed in hematopoietic stem cell stage, starting from early embryos), MX1-Cre (expression in hematopoietic stem cells, induced by pIpC injection in adults), MB1-Cre (expressed in B cells, starting from early progenitor cells in embryos), and CD21-Cre (expressed in mature B cells). We demonstrated that deletion of Sox4 caused an arrest of B lymphopoiesis at the transition from pre-pro-B cell (fraction A) stage to pro-B cell stage (fraction B): fraction A cells are slightly reduced in number whereas fraction B and later stage cells are nearly absent. The pre-pro-B cells from the Sox4 knockout mice retain a population of AA4.1+ cells, which are considered to be developed into B cells. Deletion of Sox4 in early embryonic stage (Vav-iCre) or in adults (Mx1-Cre) results in a similar phenotype on B lymphopoiesis, except that peritoneal B1 cells appear to be affected with Vav-iCre, but not with Mx1-Cre. MB1-Cre gave rise to similar results as did Vav-iCre, but the arrest was not as dramatic as with Vav-iCre. CD21-Cre produced no significant difference in B cell phenotype. These data suggested that Sox4 is required for early B cell development at the transition from pre-pro-B cells to pro-B cells and is not required for mature B cells. We are currently investigating the transcription program of this transcription factor in B cell development. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Gene Targeting of RhoA Reveals Its Essential Role In Lymphopoiesis

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 282-282
Author(s):  
Shuangmin Zhang ◽  
Yi Zheng ◽  
Richard Lang ◽  
Fukun Guo
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Development ◽  
B Cell Development ◽  
Brdu Incorporation ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Cell Functions

Abstract Abstract 282 RhoA GTPase is an intracellular signal transducer capable of regulating a wide range of cell functions including cytoskeleton dynamics, proliferation, and survival. In lymphocytes, studies by using dominant negative mutant or C3 transferase expressing transgenic mice suggest that RhoA is involved in TCR and BCR signaling and related T cell functions such as polarization, migration, survival, and proliferation. To date, the physiological role of RhoA in lymphocyte development remains unclear. In this study, we have achieved T cell, B cell, and hematopoietic stem cell-specific deletion of RhoA by conditional gene targeting with CD2, CD19 and Mx1 promoter-driven Cre expression, respectively, in the RhoAloxP/loxP mice. First, we found that RhoA gene disruption in early T cells caused a drastic decrease in thymocyte cellularity, with the numbers of CD4−CD8− double negative (DN), CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP), CD4+CD8− single positive (SP), and CD4−CD8+ SP T cells decreased by 88.8% ± 6.0%, 99.4% ± 1.0%, 99.3% ± 1.2%, and 98.6% ± 2.0%, respectively. Among DN subpopulations, CD44+CD25− (DN1), CD44+CD25+ (DN2), CD44−CD25+ (DN3), and CD44−CD25− (DN4) cells were reduced by 91.7% ± 6.0%, 54.9% ± 27.7%, 50.9% ± 33.3%, and 96.7% ± 3.4%, respectively. Further, RhoA knockout led to a significant loss of DP thymocytes at the initial stage (CD69highTCRint) of positive selection, suggesting that RhoA is required for positive selection. The decreased thymocyte cellularity in mutant mice is associated with increased apoptosis of all thymic T lineages. RhoA deficiency also resulted in a perturbation in thymocyte cell cycle progression as manifested by increased BrdU incorporation in DN1 and DN2 cells and decreased BrdU incorporation in DN4 and DP cells. Concomitantly, RhoA-deficient thymocytes showed a 59.8% ± 26.3% reduction in proliferative potential in response to TCR crosslinking. Western blot analysis revealed that the activities of ZAP70, LAT, Akt, Erk, and p38 were impaired in RhoA-/- thymocytes. In periphery, spleens of the RhoA null mice contained 7.4% ± 8.0% of CD4+ T cells and 3.7% ± 2.7% of CD8+ T cells compared with that of wild type (WT) mice. Loss of peripheral mature T cells in mutant mice is reflected by a marked reduction of naive T cells, whereas effector and memory phenotype cells were marginally affected by RhoA deficiency. RhoA-deficient naïve T cells were more susceptible to apoptosis, suggesting that homeostatic defect of naïve T cells in RhoA-/- mice is attributed to impaired cell survival. Abrogation of RhoA caused an increased in vivo BrdU incorporation in naïve T cell compartments. Thus, RhoA deficiency induces naïve T cell homeostatic proliferation, possibly due to a compensatory effect of lymphopenia. In contrast to that in thymocytes, Erk was constitutively activated in RhoA-deficient splenic T cells. These observations implicate RhoA in the multiple stages of T cell development and the proper assembly of early TCR signaling complex. Second, deletion of RhoA in pre-proB cells had no effect on early B cell development in bone marrow but significantly inhibited late B cell development in spleen, resulting in 78.2% ± 13.6%, 78.6% ± 16.9%, and 93.2% ± 3.4% reduction in transitional, follicular, and marginal zone B cells, respectively. Plasma cells in spleen were decreased by 50.9 % ± 25.9% in RhoA null mice. However, we did not detect any changes in survival of in vivo RhoA-/- B cells or RhoA-/- B cells cultured in vitro with survival factor BAFF. Distinct from previously characterized Cdc42 knockout mice, BAFF-R expression was not altered in RhoA-/- B cells. Moreover, RhoA-/- B cells appeared to be normal in proliferation and Akt and Erk activation in response to BCR crosslinking. These data suggest that RhoA is important for late B cell development through regulation of differentiation but not cell survival or proliferation. Finally, deletion of RhoA from hematopoietic stem cells did not affect common lymphoid progenitor production, indicating that RhoA is not required for early lymphoid progenitor commitment. Taken together, these lineage-specific mouse genetic studies demonstrate that RhoA critically regulates T and B cell development by distinct cellular mechanisms at multiple stages of lymphopoiesis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Absence of the Wnt Antagonist Sclerostin Adversely Affects B Cell Development in the Bone Marrow Niche

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 220-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corey J Cain ◽  
Randell Rueda ◽  
Bryce T McLelland ◽  
Nicole Collette ◽  
Gabriela Loots ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Development ◽  
B Cell Development ◽  
Bone Marrow Niche ◽  
Self Renewal ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Osteoblast Activity

Abstract Abstract 220 Hematopoietic cell fate decisions are dependent on their localized microenvironmental niche. In the bone, endosteal osteoblasts have been shown to support hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) self-renewal, as demonstrated by transgenic and knockout mouse models in which osteoblast populations were increased or decreased. In addition, Wnt signaling and the Wnt antagonist Dkk-1 have been implicated in various aspects of hematopoiesis and HSC self-renewal. Sclerostin (Sost) is a secreted protein that is primarily expressed by fully mature osteocytes and acts on osteoblasts as a negative regulator of bone growth, by antagonizing Wnt signaling by its binding to the Wnt co-receptors Lrp4, Lrp5, and/or Lrp6. Here, we investigated the role of Sost on hematopoiesis in the bone marrow niche. Increased osteoblast activity in sclerostin-knockout (Sost−/−) mice results in hypermineralized bones with small bone marrow cavities. As such, Sost−/− mice contain markedly reduced numbers of CD45+hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow. Since hematopoietic stem cell activity is dependent on osteoblast function, we examined whether the hyperactive osteoblast activity in Sost−/− mice influences the numbers of hematopoietic stem cells, lymphoid progenitor cells and myeloid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. Surprisingly, no differences were observed in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell frequency and cell number. However, we found the bone marrow of Sost−/− mice to be depleted of B cells, and this reduction can be attributed to premature apoptosis beginning at the pre-pro-B cell stage. Examination of Sost expression showed that no hematopoietic cells expressed Sost, however, pre-pro, immature and recirculating B cells expressed Lrp5 and Lrp6. These gene expression patterns suggested that the defect in B cell development in Sost−/− mice is non-cell autonomous and that absence of Sost could affect Wnt signaling in these populations. We observed that the expression of Wnt target genes CCND1 and Lef-1 were not affected by the absence of Sost, but c-Myc was significantly upregulated in recirculating B cells in the bone marrow. We also observed a significant decrease in CXCL12 expression in the bone marrow stroma in Sost−/− mice, consistent with their inability to adequately support B cell development. Taken together, our results indicate that the B cell developmental defects in Sost−/− mice are non-cell autonomous, and we are currently performing reciprocal bone marrow transplantation experiments to further support this hypothesis. Our studies demonstrate a novel role for Sost in the regulation of B cell development in the bone marrow, and demonstrate that distinct Wnt antagonists play specific roles in the regulation of hematopoiesis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Tumor Suppressors BTG1 and BTG2 Fulfill Both Unique and Overlapping Functions During Normal B Lymphocyte Development

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 1303-1303
Author(s):  
Esther J.H. Tijchon ◽  
Liesbeth van Emst ◽  
Jørn Havinga ◽  
Jean-Pierre Rouault ◽  
Felice Tirone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Tumor Suppressors ◽  
Cell Development ◽  
B Cell Development ◽  
B Cell Differentiation ◽  
B Cell Malignancies ◽  
Cell Stage

Abstract Abstract 1303 B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) is the most common form of cancer in children, characterized by genetic aberrations affecting master regulators of lymphoid differentiation, such as RUNX1, IKZF1, TCF3, and PAX5, as well as tumor suppressor genes that control the cell cycle, including RB1 and CDKN2A. Another gene frequently altered in BCP-ALL is BTG1, which displays highly clustered mono-allelic deletions in childhood BCP-ALL (9%) and adult ALL (6%). The frequency of BTG1 deletions is two- to three-fold higher in ETV6-RUNX1- and BCR-ABL1-positive leukemias. BTG1, and its close homologue BTG2 regulate gene expression, for instance by associating with protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1), affecting the activity of a variety of transcription factors, including several nuclear hormone receptors and HoxB9. In addition, BTG1 and BTG2 have been implicated in regulating mRNA stability by interacting with the Ccr4-Not complex. Recent studies have also identified missense point mutations in BTG1 and BTG2 in about 20% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, arguing that altered function of these genes contributes to B cell malignancies. To investigate a role of BTG1 and BTG2 in B cell development, we studied the phenotype of Btg1 and Btg2 single knockout (KO) and Btg1;Btg2 double KO mice. Animals deficient for either BTG1 or BTG2 displayed a mild B cell phenotype with a moderate reduction of ∼20% in the total amount of B220+ progenitor B cells in bone marrow, while splenic B cells were present at normal frequencies. More detailed analyses revealed that Btg1−/− and Btg2−/− mice both showed a partial block at the pre-pro-B cell stage (Hardy fraction A). Methylcellulose colony assays in the presence of interleukin-7 (IL-7) demonstrated 30% fewer colonies using bone marrow from Btg2−/− mice, whereas 70% fewer colonies were obtained using bone marrow derived from Btg1−/− mice. To assess whether BTG1 and BTG2 fulfill redundant functions during B cell development, we analyzed the phenotype of Btg1−/−;Btg2−/− mice. Hence we observed that the combined loss of BTG1 and BTG2 led to a much stronger block in B cell differentiation, with the majority of progenitor B cells arrested at the pre-pro-B cell stage. In the spleens of these double knockout mice we observed a roughly 50% reduction in B220+ IgM+ B cells, suggesting that these genes act to modify the activity of B lineage transcription factors rather than to fully block their activities. This is consistent with a role for these genes as modifiers of transcriptional activity. Current studies are aimed at defining the molecular targets regulated by BTG1 and BTG2 during early B cell development using RNA sequencing and protein interaction experiments. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that BTG1 and BTG2 act as important regulators of normal B cell differentiation, and that this function might be critical for their role as tumor suppressors in (early) B cell malignancies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Sustained correction of B-cell development and function in a murine model of X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) using retroviral-mediated gene transfer

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (5) ◽  
pp. 1281-1290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phyllis W. Yu ◽  
Ruby S. Tabuchi ◽  
Roberta M. Kato ◽  
Alexander Astrakhan ◽  
Stephanie Humblet-Baron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Gene Transfer ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Development ◽  
B Cell Development ◽  
Serum Immunoglobulin ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
B Lineage ◽  
And Function

Abstract X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a human immunodeficiency caused by mutations in Bruton tyrosine kinase (Btk) and characterized by an arrest in early B-cell development, near absence of serum immunoglobulin, and recurrent bacterial infections. Using Btk- and Tec-deficient mice (BtkTec–/–) as a model for XLA, we determined if Btk gene therapy could correct this disorder. Bone marrow (BM) from 5-fluorouracil (5FU)–treated BtkTec–/– mice was transduced with a retroviral vector expressing human Btk and transplanted into BtkTec–/– recipients. Mice engrafted with transduced hematopoietic cells exhibited rescue of both primary and peripheral B-lineage development, recovery of peritoneal B1 B cells, and correction of serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG3 levels. Gene transfer also restored T-independent type II immune responses, and B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) proliferative responses. B-cell progenitors derived from Btk-transduced stem cells exhibited higher levels of Btk expression than non-B cells; and marking studies demonstrated a selective advantage for Btk-transduced B-lineage cells. BM derived from primary recipients also rescued Btk-dependent function in secondary hosts that had received a transplant. Together, these data demonstrate that gene transfer into hematopoietic stem cells can reconstitute Btk-dependent B-cell development and function in vivo, and strongly support the feasibility of pursuing Btk gene transfer for XLA.

scholarly journals ETV6 Regulates Pax5 Expression in Early B Cell Development

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 2655-2655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney L. Jones ◽  
Gregory Kirkpatrick ◽  
Courtney Fleenor ◽  
Welsh Seth ◽  
Leila J Noetzli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Development ◽  
B Cell Development ◽  
Cell Fraction ◽  
Transcriptional Repressors ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Ets Family

Abstract Recent studies from our group and others have revealed a role for ETV6 germline mutations in the predisposition to ALL. Although ETV6 is among the most commonly mutated genes in ALL, its mechanistic role in leukemogenesis remains unclear. ETV6 is an ETS family transcription factor. ETV6 regulates gene transcription through homo- and hetero- oligomerization with other ETS family members and transcriptional repressors. The germline mutation (P214L amino acid change) identified by our group and others impairs the transcriptional activity and nuclear localization of ETV6 in a dominant negative fashion. The goal of this project is to determine the role of ETV6 in early B cell development and define how germline ETV6 mutations result in predisposition to leukemia. To identify functions of ETV6 in B cell development, we queried the gene expression commons database for evidence of Etv6 expression during B cell development. Etv6 is highly expressed in hematopoietic stem and lymphoid progenitor cells through the pre-pro-B stage (FrA), but its expression is significantly reduced in fraction B and thereafter (P<0.0001). To confirm relative patterns of Etv6 and Pax5 expression in developing B cells, we isolated bone marrow (BM) from wild type (WT) mice and fractionated cells committed to the B cell lineage via B220+ and CD43+ staining by flow cytometry and then separated into the following fractions: Fraction A (CD24low, CD19-), Fraction B (CD19+, CD24+, BP1-) and Fraction C (CD19+ CD24+ BP1+). Etv6 expression decreases as B cells develop and is negatively correlated with Pax5 expression (r2=.9993; P= 0.0167). We next confirmed the expression patterns of ETV6 and PAX5 during B cell development in human samples. We found that ETV6 expression was higher in the early B cell fraction (CD10+, CD34+, CD19-, and CD20-) compared to the preB cell fraction (CD10+, CD34-, CD19+, CD20-). Conversely, we observed that PAX5 expression was higher in the preB cell fraction compared to the early B cell fraction. To determine if a function relationship exists between ETV6 and Pax5 we overexpressed an empty vector (MiG), wild type (WT) ETV6 and ETV6 P214L in a murine lymphoid progenitor line (Ba/F3). ETV6, but not ETV6 P214L overexpression significantly decreased Pax5 expression (P≤0.05). To further interrogate the role of ETV6 in regulating Pax5 transcription we measured the association of ETV6 with putative ETS factor binding sites (GGAA sequence) within the Pax5 transcription start site (TSS) using ChIP-PCR. ETV6 is associated with the proximal GGAA site 72 base pairs upstream of the Pax5 TSS, but not GGAA sites further from the TSS. In addition, the transcriptional repressors SIN3A and HDAC3 were detected on the same regions of the Pax5 locus. We next determined the consequences of ETV6 mutation on the recruitment of ETV6, SIN3A, and HDAC3 to the Pax5 locus by performing ChIP-PCR in Ba/F3 cells that express a FLAG-tagged WT ETV6 or ETV6 P214L. We detected association of ETV6, SIN3A and HDAC3 with the proximal GGAA site upon expression of WT ETV6, but not ETV6 P214L. We conclude that ETV6, SIN3A and HDAC3 are responsible for the repression of Pax5 transcription. Moreover, mutant ETV6 inhibits the ability of normal ETV6 to bind and recruit SIN3A and HDAC3 to the Pax5 locus. Finally, we determined if the recruitment of SIN3A and HDACs to the Pax5 locus was essential to repression of Pax5 by WT ETV6 by knocking out SIN3A and inhibiting HDACs using pan HDAC inhibitor, SAHA and measuring Pax5 expression by RT-PCR. We found that upon SIN3A knockout or HDAC inhibition Pax5 expression was no longer repressed upon WT ETV6 overexpression. To determine the consequences of ETV6 P214L expression on B cell development, we generated a transgenic mouse expressing the P214L mutation in the endogenous ETV6 gene. Preliminary data suggests that these mice have thrombocytopenia, similar to patients with germline ETV6 mutation. In addition, mice with the ETV6 P214L mutation displayed reduced level of cKIT expression on the FrA B cell population. Further studies will be necessary to understand the consequences of reduced cKIT expression to overall B cell development and if this cKIT reduction is linked to aberrant Pax5 expression. In conclusion, ETV6 regulates Pax5 expression through the recruitment of SIN3A and HDAC3 to the Pax5 locus. These findings are significant because Pax5 misregulation results in a B cell development halt, lineage infidelity and leukemogenesis. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Pharmacological Targeting of PI3K-Dependent Central Tolerance Mechanisms in Refractory Pre-Germinal Center B-Cell Malignancies

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 2267-2267
Author(s):  
Kohei Kume ◽  
Jaewoong Lee ◽  
Lai N. Chan ◽  
Mark E. Robinson ◽  
Kadriye Nehir Cosgun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Development ◽  
B Cell Development ◽  
Pi3k Signaling ◽  
Tolerance Mechanisms ◽  
B Cell Malignancies ◽  
Central Tolerance ◽  
Autoreactive B Cells ◽  
Pi3k Activation

Abstract Rationale: About 75% of newly formed B-cells are autoreactive and express potentially harmful autoantibodies (Wardemann 2003). Hence, a powerful mechanism, termed central tolerance, is in place to eliminate millions of newly formed autoreactive B-cells every day. Results: B-ALL, mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and unmutated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (U-CLL) originate from early, pre-germinal center (pre-GC) stages of B-cell development that are subject to negative B-cell selection and central tolerance mechanisms. While designed to eliminate autoreactive clones during early B-cell development, we recently discovered that B-ALL, MCL and U-CLL fully retained sensitivity to central tolerance mechanisms, which are triggered by persistent PI3K-hyperactivation. PI3K-signaling code to distinguish between normal and pathological signaling. Studying short transient pulses and chronic activation of PI3K-signaling, we discovered that pre-GC B-cells have evolved a "PI3K-signaling code" to distinguish between normal B-cell activation by antigen and pathological signaling: thereby, antigen encounter induces a short transient pulse of PI3K-activation which promotes survival and proliferation. Conversely, persistent activation of PI3K-activation reflects pathological signaling, either from an autoreactive B-cell receptor (BCR) or a transforming oncogene. Pre-GC B-cell malignancies are exempt from oncogenic PI3K-lesions. PI3K-lesions in cancer result in permanent hyperactivation as in autoreactive B-cells. The PI3K pathway is targeted by oncogenic lesions in ~25% of human cancer. The phosphatases PTEN, SHIP1 and PP2A function as negative regulators of PI3K signaling and are frequently mutated in a broad range of cancers and also occur in some GC- and post-GC lymphomas (e.g. Burkitt's, DLBCL). However, our analysis in six clinical cohorts revealed that pre-GC B-cell malignancies, including B-ALL, MCL and U-CLL critically depend on PTEN, SHIP1 and PP2A function and do not tolerate persistent hyperactivation of PI3K-signaling for more than three hours. Loss-of-function mutations of these phosphatases and activating PI3K lesions were not detected in large clinical cohorts of patients with B-ALL, MCL and CLL. Likewise, phosphorylation of AKT-S473, reflecting PI3K signaling strength, is elevated throughout multiple cancer types including post-GC DLBCL, but not in B-ALL and MCL. This is in line with previous work demonstrating that inherited mutations that cause PI3K-activation predispose to various cancers but cause profound defects in human B-lymphopoiesis (Fruman 2014). Pharmacological targeting of PI3K-dependent central tolerance mechanisms. We tested the hypothesis that PI3K-hyperactivation represents a unique vulnerability in pre-GC B-cell tumors including B-ALL, MCL and U-CLL. Sensitivity to PI3K-hyperactivation of reflects their pre-GC origin and central tolerance mechanisms during early B-cell development that are designed to eliminate autoreactive B-cells based on hyperactive PI3K-signaling. For this reason, we tested pharmacological PI3K-hyperactivation as a novel strategy to selectively target pre-GC B-cell malignancies. To this end, we tested 144 compounds for their ability to engage PI3K-dependent central tolerance mechanism in B-ALL, MCL and CLL. Small molecule inhibitors of SHIP1 (3AC, K118), PTEN (SF-1670), PP2A (LB-100) and a direct PI3K-agonist (SC79) achieved strong phosphorylation of known PI3K-substrates (AKT, S6K) in vitro and prolonged overall survival in NSG mice transplanted with refractory B-ALL and MCL PDX in vivo. Conclusions and future directions: Current treatment regimens (kinase-inhibitor paradigm) use agents that apply selective pressure in one direction (e.g., PI3K-inhibitors; BCR-ABL1, SYK- or BTK-inhibitors). Here, we are pursuing a new concept (central tolerance paradigm) based on sequential treatment regimens that alternate between kinase-inhibitors (e.g., dasatinib, ibrutinib, idelalisib) and PI3K-hyperactivation (3AC, K118, LB100). By sequentially applying selective pressures in opposite directions, our approach will subvert clonal evolution and selection for drug-resistant mutants. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Rho GTPase Cdc42 is essential for B-lymphocyte development and activation

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (14) ◽  
pp. 2909-2916 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fukun Guo ◽  
Chinavenmeni S. Velu ◽  
H. Leighton Grimes ◽  
Yi Zheng
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
B Lymphocyte ◽  
Rho Gtpase ◽  
Cell Development ◽  
B Cell Development ◽  
Immunoglobulin M ◽  
Cell Populations ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Cell Functions

Cdc42 is a member of the Rho GTPase family that has been implicated in several cell functions including proliferation and migration, but its physiologic role needs to be dissected in each cell type. We achieved B-cell and hematopoietic stem cell deletion of Cdc42 by conditional gene targeting in mice. Deletion of Cdc42 from proB/preB-cell stage significantly blocked B-cell development at T1 and later stages, resulting in reduced mature B-cell populations and reduced antigen-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgG1, and IgG3 production. The Cdc42−/− B cells, themselves, were abnormal with impaired proliferation and survival. The mutant B cells were further characterized by a B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling defect with increased Erk and decreased Akt activation, as well as a defect in BCR-mediated B-cell–activating factor (BAFF) receptor up-regulation and subsequent BAFF receptor signaling in mature resting B cells. Surprisingly, Cdc42 was dispensable for stromal cell–derived factor-1α (SDF-1α)– or B-lymphocyte chemoattractant (BLC)–induced B-cell migration. Finally, loss of Cdc42 from hematopoietic stem cells did not alter common lymphoid progenitor production but severely reduced proB/preB- and immature B-cell populations, indicating that Cdc42 is also involved in B-cell precursor differentiation. These results reveal multifaceted roles of Cdc42 in B-cell development and activation.

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