DDR1 promoting
mesenchymal to epithelial transition in Diffuse B-Cell Lymphoma
Sahni Deepak, Baranwal Saumya, Chaturvedi Kishan, Sharma Chandresh and Bharati Akhilendra
Pratap
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(9); 50-63;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/209rjbt050063; (2025)
Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBC) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
(NHL), presenting significant challenges due to its aggressiveness and frequent
relapses. It arises from malignant B-lymphocytes, affecting lymph nodes and extra-nodal
sites like the central nervous system, bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract. In
India, DLBC contributes to 9,000-14,000 of the 30,000-35,000 annual NHL cases, making
it a substantial health burden. This study aims to investigate the role of DDR1
(Discoidin Domain Receptor 1-receptor tyrosine kinase) in DLBC, its correlation
with epithelial and mesenchymal markers and its association with tumor progression
and patient survival. DDR1 was found to be 3.5-fold upregulated in DLBC as compared
to normal.
It positively correlates with mesenchymal markers like VIM, ZEB2 and PXN, indicating
a role in mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET). Conversely, DDR1 negatively
correlates with epithelial markers such as CDH1, KRT7, COL1A1, CLDN3 and CLDN1.
Stage plot analysis showed reduced DDR1 expression in stage IV of DLBC, aligning
with tumor metastasis and secondary tumor growth. Survival analysis revealed that
high DDR1 levels are associated with poor prognosis. These findings suggest DDR1
as a key biomarker influencing DLBC progression, metastasis and survival.
