PRDM1/BLIMP-1 expression in multiple B and T-cell lymphoma

Haematologica. 2006 Apr;91(4):467-74.

Abstract

Background and objectives: The positive regulatory domain I (PRDM1) protein or BLIMP-1, belonging to the PRDM gene family of transcriptional repressors, is a key regulator of terminal differentiation in B-lymphocytes and is critical for plasma cell differentiation.

Design and methods: Here we document the expression of PRDM1 in normal and neoplastic lymphoid cells, through the use of a monoclonal antibody that recognizes the molecule in paraffin-embedded tissue sections. A large series of B and T-cell lymphomas (679 cases) was studied, using tissue microarrays.

Results: Multiple myeloma, plasmacytoma and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma cases (n=19) were positive. Plasmablastic lymphoma, oral mucosa-type (n=15), were also found to be positive. PRDM1 protein was expressed in some cases of B-cell neoplasia, i.e. chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (15%), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (43%), classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (41%) and also in T-cell lymphoma (23%).

Interpretation and conclusions: Most B-neoplastic cells showing plasmablastic differentiation were PRDM1-positive. Unexpectedly, a subset of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma expressed PRDM1, lacked detectable plasmablastic or immunoblastic changes and displayed more aggressive behavior, with a shorter failure-free survival. In contrast to normal B-cells, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cases with increased PRDM1 expression co-expressed BCL-6 and MUM1/IRF4, confirming that PRDM1 expression in these tumors is insufficient to drive the full genetic program associated with plasmacytic differentiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / pathology*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / pathology*
  • Microarray Analysis
  • Plasma Cells / cytology
  • Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Repressor Proteins / physiology*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / physiology*

Substances

  • Repressor Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • PRDM1 protein, human
  • Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1