Non-Hodgkin lymphoma expressing high levels of the danger-signalling protein HMGB1.
HMGB1 is a high mobility group protein that can act either as a DNA binding protein or extracellularly as a cytokine-like danger signal. Extracellular HMGB1, either actively secreted or passively released by necrotic cells, is linked to inflammation and cancer. Herein, the results of a study to quantify the expression of HMGB1 in lymphomas by quantitative real-time RT-PCR are presented. HMGB1 expression was analysed in 18 non-Hodgkin lymphomas and two lymphoma cell lines. 11/18 primary lymphomas expressed HMGB1 mRNA at a level exceeding the average of normal lymph nodes. Immunohistochemistry showed that HMGB1 positivity is confined to the lymphoma cells. No correlation between HMGB1 expression and grading was found. However, a high percentage of lymphomas is overexpressing a danger-signalling protein. This protein can support the growth and angiogenesis of lymphoma cells in a paracrine way when released e.g. due to necrosis. Thus it constitutes an interesting therapeutic target as well.
Center for Human Genetics, University of Bremen, Leobener Str. ZHG, Bremen, Germany.
Anke
A
Meyer
Andrea
A
Staratschek-Jox
Anette
A
Springwald
Heiner
H
Wenk
Jurgen
J
Wolf
Claudia
C
Wickenhauser
Jörn
J
Bullerdiek
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D024243:HMGB1 Protein / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D024243:HMGB1 Protein; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm