Functional Implications of the spectrum of BCL2 mutations in Lymphoma

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2016 Source:Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research Author(s): Khushboo Singh, James M. Briggs Mutations in the translocated BCL2 gene are often detected in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs), indicating both their significance and pervasiveness. Large series genome sequencing of more than 200 DLBCLs has identified frequent BCL2 mutations clustered in the exons coding for the BH4 domain and the folded loop domain (FLD) of the protein. However, BCL2 mutations are mostly contemplated to represent bystander events with negligible functional impact on the pathogenesis of DLBCL. BCL2 arbitrates apoptosis through a classic interaction between its hydrophobic groove forming BH1-3 domains and the BH3 domain of pro-apoptotic members of the BCL2 family. The effects of mutations are mainly determined by the ability of the mutated BCL2 to mediate apoptosis by this inter-member protein binding. Nevertheless, BCL2 regulates diverse non-canonical pathways that are unlikely to be explained by canonical interactions. In this review, first, we identify recurrent missense mutations in the BH4 domain and the FLD reported in independent lymphoma sequencing studies. Second, we discuss the probable consequences of mutations on the binding ability of BCL2 to non-BCL2 family member proteins crucial for 1) maintaining mitochondrial energetics and calcium hemostasis such as VDAC, IP3R, and RyR and 2) oncogenic pathways implicated in the acq...

Source: Mutation Research Reviews in Mutation Research - June 16, 2016 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research