A dual Role of SOX11 expression in the formation of T-cell ALL in mouse models

André De Almeida, PhD student at the University Hospital Ghent presented his research on investigating the role of SOX11 in T-ALL, which is motivated by its expression within a distinct subset of T-ALLs.

To delineate the impact of aberrant SOX11 expression, diverse mice models were generated. These encompassed a model with T-cell-specific overexpression of SOX11, another featuring concurrent overexpression of SOX11 and Lmo2, and a third with Pten loss. The latter models are recognized for spontaneously developing TLL.

The overexpression of SOX11 induced perturbations in T-cell differentiation in both mice and human cells. Specifically, an augmentation in immature T-cell populations was observed, concomitant with a reduction in the mature T-cell subset. Importantly, this phenomenon was determined not to be attributable to enhanced self-renewal properties of thymocytes induced by SOX11.

The co-expression of Lmo2 was found to accelerate the onset of leukaemia formation, contrasting with the delayed leukemogenesis observed in the Pten-deficient mice.

In summary, the successful development of murine models demonstrated a substantial impact of SOX11, though the underlying mechanistic intricacies necessitate further elucidation.

Reference:

De Almeida A, ASH 2023. #1406

With the educational support of: