Abstract
The gene encoding the human BLIMP1, prdm1, is located on chromosome 6q21, a locus frequently deleted in lymphoid tumors. BLIMP1 is able to silence its target genes in a context-dependent manner through different mechanisms. BLIMP1 is expressed in both B and T cells, in which it plays important functions. In B cells, BLIMP1 acts as the master regulator of plasma cell differentiation, repressed by BCL6 and repressing both BCL6 and PAX5. In T cells, BLIMP1 is a critical factor for most terminal effector cell differentiation in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. BLIMP1 is frequently inactivated in a variety of lymphomas, including diffuse large B cell lymphomas, Natural Killer cell lymphoma and anaplastic large T cell lymphoma. In this review, we will summarize the role of BLIMP1 in normal cells, focusing on lymphoid cells, and on its function as tumor suppressor gene in lymphomas.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by: Oncosuisse grant KLS-02403-02-2009 (Bern, Switzerland), Anna Lisa Stiftung (Ascona, Switzerland) and Nelia et Amadeo Barletta Foundation (Lausanne, Switzerland) (to F.B.); the Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC) Special Program in Clinical Molecular Oncology (5x1000 No. 10007; Milan, Italy), Regione Piemonte (ONCOPROT, CIPE 25/2005), ImmOnc (innovative approaches to boost the immune responses; Programma Operativo Regionale, Piattaforme Innovative BIO F.E.S.R. 2007/13, Asse 1 “Ricerca e innovazione” della LR 34/2004) and the Oncology Program of Compagnia di San Paolo (Turin, Italy) (to G.I.).
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