Radiation inducible MafB gene is required for thymic regeneration

Sci Rep. 2021 May 17;11(1):10439. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-89836-7.

Abstract

The thymus facilitates mature T cell production by providing a suitable stromal microenvironment. This microenvironment is impaired by radiation and aging which lead to immune system disturbances known as thymic involution. Young adult thymus shows thymic recovery after such involution. Although various genes have been reported for thymocytes and thymic epithelial cells in such processes, the roles of stromal transcription factors in these remain incompletely understood. MafB (v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog B) is a transcription factor expressed in thymic stroma and its expression was induced a day after radiation exposure. Hence, the roles of mesenchymal MafB in the process of thymic regeneration offers an intriguing research topic also for radiation biology. The current study investigated whether MafB plays roles in the adult thymus. MafB/green fluorescent protein knock-in mutant (MafB+/GFP) mice showed impaired thymic regeneration after the sublethal irradiation, judged by reduced thymus size, total thymocyte number and medullary complexity. Furthermore, IL4 was induced after irradiation and such induction was reduced in mutant mice. The mutants also displayed signs of accelerated age-related thymic involution. Altogether, these results suggest possible functions of MafB in the processes of thymic recovery after irradiation, and maintenance during aging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging / genetics
  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / radiation effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation / radiation effects
  • Gene Knock-In Techniques
  • MafB Transcription Factor / genetics
  • MafB Transcription Factor / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Mutation
  • Regeneration / genetics
  • Regeneration / radiation effects*
  • Thymocytes / physiology*
  • Thymocytes / radiation effects
  • Thymus Gland / cytology
  • Thymus Gland / physiology*
  • Thymus Gland / radiation effects
  • Whole-Body Irradiation

Substances

  • MafB Transcription Factor
  • Mafb protein, mouse