Bcl-6 (B-cell lymphoma 6) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BCL6 gene. BCL6 is a master transcription factor for regulation of T follicular helper cells (TFH cells) proliferation.[5] BCL6 has three evolutionary conserved structural domains.[6] The interaction of these domains with corepressors allows for germinal center development and leads to B cell proliferation.
The deletion of BCL6 is known to lead to failure of germinal center formation in the follicles of the lymph nodes, preventing B cells from undergoing somatic hypermutation.[6] Mutations in BCL6 can lead to B cell lymphomas because it promotes unchecked B cell growth.[6] Clinically, BCL6 can be used to diagnose B cell lymphomas and is shown to be upregulated in a number of cancers.[6]
Other BCL genes, including BCL2, BCL3, BCL5, BCL7A, BCL9, and BCL10, also have clinical significance in lymphoma.