Activation-Induced Cytidine Deaminase Promotes Proliferation and Enhances Chemoresistance and Migration in B-cell Lymphoma

BACKGROUND/AIM: Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is a DNA modifying enzyme which has an essential function in promoting antibody diversification. Its overexpression is strongly associated with B-cell derived malignancies including Burkitt lymphoma, where AID is required for the characteristic c-MYC/IGH translocation. This study aimed at defining AID's oncopathogenic role which is still poorly understood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We created over-expressing and knock-down cell culture models of AID, and used cellular assays to provide insight into its contribution to lymphomagenesis.

RESULTS: We showed that AID expression is highly specific to, and abundantly expressed in B-cell-derived cancers and that ectopic overexpression of AID leads to rapid cell death. Using a knock-down model, we revealed that AID expression significantly impacts genomic stability, proliferation, migration and drug resistance.

CONCLUSION: AID is an important driver of lymphoma, impacting multiple cellular events, and is potentially a strong candidate for targeted therapy in lymphoma.