PRDM1 gene

PRDM1 is the acronym for "Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1" and refers to a protein coding gene located on chromosome 6q21. The encoded protein is a transcription factor, PR domain zinc finger protein 1 also referred to as B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 "BLIMP-1".

BLIMP-1 is expressed in both B and T cells. BLIMP-1 plays an important role in B cell development and antibody production. In B cells, it is a regulator of plasma cell differentiation. In T cells, it is critical for the differentiation of most terminal effector cells into CD 4 and CD 8 T cells. BLIMP-1 acts as a repressor of beta-interferon (β-IFN) gene expression.

BLIMP-1 plays a role in the development, maintenance, and long-term establishment of adaptive and innate tissue-resident lymphocytic T cell types in non-lymphoid organs such as the skin and intestine, as well as in other non-barrier tissues such as the liver and kidney, and may therefore provide immediate immunological protection against reactivating infections or viral reinfection.

The protein binds specifically to the PRDI (positive regulatory domain I element) of the β-IFN gene promoter. BLIMP-1 negatively regulates the gene expression of proteins that promote the egress of tissue-resident T cell populations from non-lymphoid organs.

Transcription of this gene increases after virus induction.

Diseases associated with PRDM1 include B-cell lymphomas and lymphomas. Related pathways include NF-kappaB Signaling and Regulation of TP53 Expression and Degradation. An important paralog of this gene is ZBTB16.

1. Boi M et al (2015) PRDM1/BLIMP1: a tumor suppressor gene in B and T cell lymphomas. Leuk Lymphoma 56:1223-1228.