Jun-B gene expression mediated by the surface immunoglobulin receptor of primary B lymphocytes

Stimulation of primary B lymphocytes induces the nuclear expression of TPA response element binding proteins that are recognized by anti-Jun antisera. To evaluate the profile of jun gene expression, RNA was extracted from B cells and probed for c-jun. Surprisingly, c-jun mRNA was not detected either before or after stimulation with anti-Ig. Instead, stimulation through the sIg antigen receptor, or with phorbol ester containing regimens, rapidly induced expression of the related jun-B. This demonstrates a lack of coordinate regulation for jun-B and c-jun expression in these primary B cells. The role of Jun-containing TRE binding proteins in promoting B cell cycle progression remains uncertain inasmuch as Jun-B has been associated with transcriptional inhibition of the TPA response element, rather than activation as produced by c-Jun.