Chromatin Protein PC4 Orchestrates B Cell Differentiation by Collaborating with IKAROS and IRF4 (RRBS)

Chromatin protein positive coactivator 4 (PC4) has multiple functions, including chromatin compaction. However, its role in immune cells is largely unknown. We show that PC4 orchestrates chromatin structure and gene expression in mature B cells. B-cell specific PC4-deficient mice showed impaired production of antibody upon antigen stimulation. The PC4 complex purified from B cells contained transcription factors IKAROS and IRF4. IKAROS protein was reduced in PC4-deficient mature B cells, resulting in de-repression of their target genes in part by diminished interactions with gene silencing components. Upon activation, IRF4 protein amount was not increased in PC4-deficient B cells, resulting in reduction of plasma cells. Importantly, IRF4 reciprocally induced PC4 expression via a super-enhancer. PC4 knockdown in human B-cell lymphoma cells reduced IKAROS protein as an anticancer drug lenalidomide. Our findings establish PC4 as a chromatin regulator of B cells and a possible therapeutic target adjoining IKAROS in B-cell malignancies. Function and regulation of PC4 in B cells.