A BCL6/BCOR/SIRT1 Complex Triggers Neurogenesis and Suppresses Medulloblastoma by Repressing Sonic Hedgehog Signaling

• BCL6 is required for neurogenesis of cerebellar granule neurons
• BCL6 directly represses the Sonic Hedgehog effectors Gli1 and Gli2
• BCL6/BCOR/SIRT1 complex blocks the growth of human medulloblastoma cells
• BCL6 prevents the development of medulloblastoma in the mouse

SummaryDisrupted differentiation during development can lead to oncogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we identify BCL6, a transcriptional repressor and lymphoma oncoprotein, as a pivotal factor required for neurogenesis and tumor suppression of medulloblastoma (MB). BCL6 is necessary for and capable of preventing the development of GNP-derived MB in mice, and can block the growth of human MB cells in vitro. BCL6 neurogenic and oncosuppressor effects rely on direct transcriptional repression of Gli1 and Gli2 effectors of the SHH pathway, through recruitment of BCOR corepressor and SIRT1 deacetylase. Our findings identify the BCL6/BCOR/SIRT1 complex as a potent repressor of the SHH pathway in normal and oncogenic neural development, with direct diagnostic and/or therapeutic relevance for SHH MB.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload high-quality image (379 K)Download as PowerPoint slide