Germinal Center B cell transcriptional profiles in Mef2b-P297L mutant mice

The MEF2B transcription factor is frequently mutated in germinal center (GC)-derived B-cell lymphomas. Its N-terminal mutations drive lymphomagenesis by escaping interaction with transcriptional repressors, while the function of C-terminal mutations remains to be elucidated. Here, we show that MEF2B C-tail is physiologically phosphorylated at specific residues and phosphorylation at S324 is impaired by lymphoma-associated mutations. Lack of phosphorylation at S324 enhances the interaction of MEF2B with the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, leading to higher transcriptional activity. In addition, these mutants show an increased protein stability due to impaired interaction with the CUL3/KLHL12 ubiquitin complex. Mice expressing a phosphorylation-deficient lymphoma-associated MEF2B mutant display GC enlargement and develop GC-derived lymphomas, when crossed with Bcl2 transgenic mice. These results unveil converging mechanisms of action for a diverse spectrum of MEF2B mutations, all leading to its dysregulation and GC B-cell lymphomagenesis. These assorted mechanisms provide additional opportunities for the development of targeted therapeutic approaches.