Prohibitin (PHB) expression is associated with aggressiveness in DLBCL and flavagline-mediated inhibition of cytoplasmic PHB functions induces anti-tumor effects.

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) are aggressive lymphomas accounting for approximately a third of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Prohibitin 1 (PHB1) and prohibitin 2 (PHB2) are scaffold proteins that promote mitochondria homeostasis and consequently cell survival, but biological functions of cytoplasmic PHBs remain largely unknown in DLBCL.

Methods: PHB expression was analyzed in 82 DLBCL biopsies and five DLBCL cell lines by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting.

Anti-apoptotic role and clinical relevance of neurotrophins in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas.

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a fatal malignancy that needs to identify new targets for additional therapeutic options. This study aimed to clarify the clinical and biological significance of endogenous neurotrophin (nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)) in DLBCL biopsy samples and cell lines.

Methods: We analysed expression of NGF, BDNF, and their receptors (Trk, p75(NTR)) in 51 biopsies and cell lines by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting.

Endogenous neurotrophins and Trk signaling in diffuse large B cell lymphoma cell lines are involved in sensitivity to rituximab-induced apoptosis.

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a common and often fatal malignancy. Immunochemotherapy, a combination of rituximab to standard chemotherapy, has resulted in improved survival. However a substantial proportion of patients still fail to reach sustained remission.