Architecture and dynamics of the transcription factor network that regulates B-to-plasma cell differentiation

J Biochem. 2007 Jun;141(6):783-9. doi: 10.1093/jb/mvm106.

Abstract

Upon antigen stimulation, B lymphoid cells undergo terminal differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells. This process accompanies drastic changes in cell functions such as a loss of B-cell identity, induction of secretory apparatus, and an extremely increased transcription of antibody genes. These changes are the result of re-wiring of a transcription factor network in B and plasma cells. While the transcription repressor Blimp-1 induces plasma cell differentiation, another repressor Bach2 has emerged as a negative regulator of Blimp-1 in B cells. These two transcription factors, together with other several factors, appear to constitute a main transcriptional regulatory network for the terminal differentiation process of plasma cells from B cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Mutation
  • Plasma Cells / cytology*
  • Plasma Cells / metabolism
  • Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1
  • Recombination, Genetic
  • Repressor Proteins / physiology*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / physiology*
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Repressor Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • PRDM1 protein, human
  • Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1