Transcription factor Mef2c is required for B cell proliferation and survival after antigen receptor stimulation

Nat Immunol. 2008 Jun;9(6):603-12. doi: 10.1038/ni.1609. Epub 2008 Apr 27.

Abstract

Calcineurin is required for B cell receptor (BCR)-induced proliferation of mature B cells. Paradoxically, loss of NFAT transcription factors, themselves calcineurin targets, induces hyperactivity, which suggests that calcineurin targets other than NFAT are required for BCR-induced proliferation. Here we demonstrate a function for the calcineurin-regulated transcription factor Mef2c in B cells. BCR-induced calcium mobilization was intact after Mef2c deletion, but loss of Mef2c caused defects in B cell proliferation and survival after BCR stimulation in vitro and lower T cell-dependent antibody responses and germinal center formation in vivo. Mef2c activity was specific to BCR stimulation, as Toll-like receptor and CD40 signaling induced normal responses in Mef2c-deficient B cells. Mef2c-dependent targets included the genes encoding cyclin D2 and the prosurvival factor Bcl-x(L). Our results emphasize an unrecognized but critical function for Mef2c in BCR signaling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Calcineurin / metabolism*
  • Cell Cycle / physiology
  • Cell Survival / physiology*
  • MEF2 Transcription Factors
  • Mice
  • Myogenic Regulatory Factors / physiology*
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / physiology*
  • Transcription Factors / physiology

Substances

  • MEF2 Transcription Factors
  • Mef2c protein, mouse
  • Myogenic Regulatory Factors
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell
  • Transcription Factors
  • Calcineurin