Lack of galectin-3 modifies differentially Notch ligands in bone marrow and spleen stromal cells interfering with B cell differentiation

Sci Rep. 2018 Feb 22;8(1):3495. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-21409-7.

Abstract

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a β-galactoside binding protein that controls cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. In lymphoid organs, gal-3 inhibits B cell differentiation by mechanisms poorly understood. The B cell development is dependent on tissue organization and stromal cell signaling, including IL-7 and Notch pathways. Here, we investigate possible mechanisms that gal-3 interferes during B lymphocyte differentiation in the bone marrow (BM) and spleen. The BM of gal-3-deficient mice (Lgals3-/- mice) was evidenced by elevated numbers of B220+CD19+c-Kit+IL-7R+ progenitor B cells. In parallel, CD45- bone marrow stromal cells expressed high levels of mRNA IL-7, Notch ligands (Jagged-1 and Delta-like 4), and transcription factors (Hes-1, Hey-1, Hey-2 and Hey-L). The spleen of Lgals3-/- mice was hallmarked by marginal zone disorganization, high number of IgM+IgD+ B cells and CD138+ plasma cells, overexpression of Notch ligands (Jagged-1, Delta-like 1 and Delta-like 4) by stromal cells and Hey-1. Morever, IgM+IgD+ B cells and B220+CD138+ CXCR4+ plasmablasts were significantly increased in the BM and blood of Lgals3-/- mice. For the first time, we demonstrated that gal-3 inhibits Notch signaling activation in lymphoid organs regulating earlier and terminal events of B cell differentiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics*
  • Galectin 3 / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / cytology
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / metabolism*
  • Interleukin-7 / genetics
  • Ligands
  • Mice
  • Receptors, Notch / genetics*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Spleen / growth & development
  • Spleen / metabolism
  • Stromal Cells / cytology
  • Stromal Cells / metabolism
  • Tertiary Lymphoid Structures / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

  • Galectin 3
  • Interleukin-7
  • Ligands
  • Receptors, Notch
  • Transcription Factors