INSIGHTS FROM TRANSGENIC MICE REGARDING THE ROLE OF BCL-2 IN NORMAL AND NEOPLASTIC LYMPHOID-CELLS

Cory, S; Harris, AW; Strasser, A

Author(s): Cory, S; Harris, AW; Strasser, A;
Details: Publication Year 1994-08-30,Volume 345,Issue #1313,Page 289-295
Journal Title: PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Publication Type: Journal Article
Abstract: The bcl-2 gene was first discovered by molecular analysis of the 14;18 chromosome translocation which is the hallmark of most cases of human follicular lymphoma. To date, it is unique among proto-oncogenes because, rather than promoting cell proliferation, it fosters cell survival. This review summarizes the impact of constitutive bcl-2 expression on the development and function of lymphocytes as well as their malignant transformation. Expression of a bcl-2 transgene in the B lymphoid compartment profoundly perturbed homeostasis and, depending on the genetic background, predisposed to a severe autoimmune disease resembling human systemic lupus erythematosus. T lymphoid cells from bcl-2 transgenic mice were remarkably resistant to diverse cytotoxic agents. Nevertheless, T lymphoid homeostasis was unaffected and tolerance to self was maintained. Expression of high levels of Bcl-2 facilitated the development of B lymphoid tumours but at relatively low frequency and with long latency. Co-expression of myc and bcl-2, on the other hand, promoted the rapid onset of novel tumours which appeared to derive from a lympho-myeloid stem or progenitor cell. Introduction of the bcl-2 transgene into scid mice facilitated the survival and differentiation of pro-B but not pro-T cells, suggesting that a function necessary to supplement or complement the action of Bcl-2 is expressed later in the T than the B lineage. Crosses of the bcl-2 transgenic mice with p53(-/-) mice have addressed whether loss of p53 function and gain of bcl-2 function are synergistic for lymphoid cell survival.
Publisher: ROYAL SOC LONDON
Keywords: C-MYC ONCOGENE; T-CELLS; PRE-B; FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA; CHROMOSOME-TRANSLOCATION; T(14-18) TRANSLOCATION; CAENORHABDITIS-ELEGANS; THYMOCYTE APOPTOSIS; MEMBRANE PROTEIN; LYMPHOCYTES-B
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.1994.0108
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 1994-08-30 12:00:00