Initiation of V(D)J Recombination by Dβ-Associated Recombination Signal Sequences: A Critical Control Point in TCRβ Gene Assembly
2009

How T Cell Receptor Beta Gene Assembly is Controlled

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Franchini Don-Marc, Benoukraf Touati, Jaeger Sébastien, Ferrier Pierre, Payet-Bornet Dominique

Primary Institution: Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Université Aix Marseille, Marseille, France

Hypothesis

Can the regulation of V(D)J recombination at the TCRβ locus be explained by the interactions of recombination signal sequences?

Conclusion

The study reveals that Dβ-associated recombination signal sequences play a critical role in the ordered assembly of TCRβ genes by regulating the initiation of V(D)J recombination.

Supporting Evidence

  • RSS nicks were only detectable at Dβ-associated RSSs, indicating their role in initiating V(D)J recombination.
  • The Dβ1 23RSS impedes cleavage at the adjacent Dβ1 12RSS, suggesting a regulatory mechanism for rearrangement order.
  • Data from both in vitro and in vivo assays support the capture model for synapsis in TCRβ gene assembly.

Takeaway

This research shows that certain parts of DNA help control how T cells make their special receptors, ensuring they do it in the right order.

Methodology

The study used both in vitro and in vivo assays to analyze the nicking patterns at recombination signal sequences in TCRβ gene segments.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004575

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