The tumor promoter and NF-κB modulator Bcl-3 regulates splenic B cell development.

ABSTRACT: Bcl-3 is an atypical member of the family of IκB proteins. Unlike the classic members, Bcl-3 functions as a nuclear transcriptional cofactor that may, depending on context, promote or suppress genes via association with p50/NF-κB1 or p52/NF-κB2 homodimers. Bcl-3 is also an oncogene, because it is a partner in recurrent translocations in B cell tumors, resulting in deregulated expression. Bcl-3 functions, however, remain poorly understood. We have investigated the role of Bcl-3 in B cells and discovered a previously unknown involvement in the splenic development of these cells. Loss of Bcl-3 in B cells resulted in significantly more marginal zone (MZ) and fewer follicular (FO) B cells. Conversely, transgenic expression of Bcl-3 in B cells generated fewer MZ and more FO B cells. Both Bcl-3(-

SUBMITTER: Zhang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3868497 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature