Enforced expression of Lin28b leads to impaired T-cell development, release of inflammatory cytokines, and peripheral T-cell lymphoma

Blood. 2012 Aug 2;120(5):1048-59. doi: 10.1182/blood-2012-01-401760. Epub 2012 Jun 21.

Abstract

LIN28A and LIN28B, the mammalian homologs of lin-28, are implicated in malignant transformation in part because of their ability to promote degradation of the let-7 family of miRs. In the present study, we show that overexpression of Lin28b in vivo leads to an aggressive peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) characterized by widespread infiltration of parenchymal organs with malignant CD4(+) cells. Similar to patients with PTCL, Lin28b-transgenic mice show signs of inflammation such as eosinophilia, increased C-reactive protein, release of inflammatory cytokines, and pleural effusion. The PTCLs that develop in Lin28b mice are derived from activated T cells and show decreased let-7 expression, increased Il6 expression, activation of NF-κB, and infiltration of B cells, all resulting in an inflammatory microenvironment. In addition, LIN28B is overexpressed 7.5-fold in PTCL patient samples compared with activated CD4(+) cells. The results of the present study demonstrate for the first time that Lin28b can transform primary cells in vivo, identify a previously unsuspected link between Lin28b and PTCL, and provide a unique animal model for the study of PTCL biology and therapy.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics*
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / pathology
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology
  • Female
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral / genetics*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral / immunology
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral / metabolism
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Transfection
  • Transgenes / genetics

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Lin28b protein, mouse
  • RNA-Binding Proteins