Wnt signaling regulates B lymphocyte proliferation through a LEF-1 dependent mechanism

Wnt signaling regulates B lymphocyte proliferation through a LEF-1 dependent mechanism.
Reya T, O’Riordan M, Okamura R, Devaney E, Willert K, Nusse R, and Grosschedl R. 2001
Immunity, 13(1):15-24.  PubMed | PDF |

ABSTRACT

Lymphocyte enhancer factor-1 (LEF-1) is a member of the LEF-1/TCF family of transcription factors, which have been implicated in Wnt signaling and tumorigenesis. LEF-1 was originally identified in pre-B and T cells, but its function in B lymphocyte development remains unknown. Here we report that LEF-1-deficient mice exhibit defects in pro-B cell proliferation and survival in vitro and in vivo. We further show that Lef1-/- pro-B cells display elevated levels of fas and c-myc transcription, providing a potential mechanism for their increased sensitivity to apoptosis. Finally, we establish a link between Wnt signaling and normal B cell development by demonstrating that Wnt proteins are mitogenic for pro-B cells and that this effect is mediated by LEF-1.