Notch1 promotes survival of E2A-deficient T cell lymphomas through pre-T cell receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms

Loss of E2A transcription factor activity or activation of the intracellular form of Notch1 (ICN) leads to the development of leukemia or lymphoma in humans or mice, respectively. Current models propose that ICN functions by suppressing E2A through a pre-T cell receptor (TCR)-dependent mechanism. Here we show that lymphomas arising in E2A(-/-) mice require the activation of Notch1 for their survival and have accumulated mutations in, or near, the Notch1 PEST domain, resulting in increased stability and signaling. In contrast, lymphomas arising in p53(-/-) mice show the activation of Notch1, but no mutations were identified in ICN. The requirement for Notch1 signaling in E2A(-/-) lymphomas cannot be overcome by ectopic expression of pT alpha; however, pT alpha is required for optimal survival and expansion of these cells. Our findings indicate that the activation of Notch1 is an important second hit for the transformation of E2A(-/-) T cell lymphomas and that Notch1 promotes survival through pre-TCR-dependent and -independent mechanisms.