LEF-1 is a prosurvival factor in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and is expressed in the preleukemic state of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis

Blood. 2010 Oct 21;116(16):2975-83. doi: 10.1182/blood-2010-02-269878. Epub 2010 Jul 1.

Abstract

The canonical Wnt signaling pathway is pathogenic in a variety of cancers. We previously identified aberrant expression of the Wnt pathway transcription factor and target gene lymphoid enhancer binding factor-1 (LEF1) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This suggested that the Wnt signaling pathway has a role in the biology of CLL. In this study, we performed a Wnt pathway analysis using gene expression profiling and identified aberrant regulation of Wnt pathway target genes, ligands, and signaling members in CLL cells. Furthermore, we identified aberrant protein expression of LEF-1 specifically in CLL but not in normal mature B-cell subsets or after B-cell activation. Using the T cell-specific transcription factor/LEF (TCF/LEF) dual luciferase reporter assay, we demonstrated constitutive Wnt pathway activation in CLL, although the pathway was inactive in normal peripheral B cells. Importantly, LEF-1 knockdown decreased CLL B-cell survival. We also identified LEF-1 expression in CD19(+)/CD5(+) cells obtained from patients with monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis, suggesting a role for LEF-1 early in CLL leukemogenesis. This study has identified the constitutive activation and prosurvival function of LEF-1 and the Wnt pathway in CLL and uncovered a possible role for these factors in the preleukemic state of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Cell Survival
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic*
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / genetics*
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / metabolism
  • Lymphoid Enhancer-Binding Factor 1 / genetics*
  • Lymphoid Enhancer-Binding Factor 1 / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Precursor Cells, B-Lymphoid / cytology
  • Precursor Cells, B-Lymphoid / metabolism
  • Precursor Cells, B-Lymphoid / pathology
  • Wnt Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • LEF1 protein, human
  • Lymphoid Enhancer-Binding Factor 1
  • Wnt Proteins