KLHL6 Is Preferentially Expressed in Germinal Center-Derived B-Cell Lymphomas

Am J Clin Pathol. 2017 Nov 20;148(6):465-476. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/aqx099.

Abstract

Objectives: KLHL6 is a recently described BTB-Kelch protein with selective expression in lymphoid tissues and is most strongly expressed in germinal center B cells.

Methods: Using gene expression profiling as well as immunohistochemistry with an anti-KLHL6 monoclonal antibody, we have characterized the expression of this molecule in normal and neoplastic tissues. Protein expression was evaluated in 1,058 hematopoietic neoplasms.

Results: Consistent with its discovery as a germinal center marker, KLHL6 was positive mainly in B-cell neoplasms of germinal center derivation, including 95% of follicular lymphomas (106/112). B-cell lymphomas of non-germinal center derivation were generally negative (0/33 chronic lymphocytic leukemias/small lymphocytic lymphomas, 3/49 marginal zone lymphomas, and 2/66 mantle cell lymphomas).

Conclusions: In addition to other germinal center markers, including BCL6, CD10, HGAL, and LMO2, KLHL6 immunohistochemistry may prove a useful adjunct in the diagnosis and future classification of B-cell lymphomas.

Keywords: Hematopathology; Immunohistochemistry; KLHL6; Lymphoma.

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Profiling / methods
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics*
  • Germinal Center / metabolism*
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / genetics*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / pathology
  • Lymphoma, Follicular / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Carrier Proteins
  • KLHL6 protein, human