LAT and RasGRP1 Maintain TCRα Expression
2011

How LAT and RasGRP1 Help T Cells Keep Their TCRα Gene Active

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Markegard Evan, Trager Evan, Yang Chih-wen Ou, Zhang Weiguo, Weiss Arthur, Roose Jeroen P.

Primary Institution: University of California San Francisco

Hypothesis

What signals maintain specific gene expression in mature resting T cells?

Conclusion

Basal LAT-diacylglycerol-RasGRP1 signals are critical for maintaining TCRα gene expression in T cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • Constitutive signals in T cells are transduced via LAT and RasGRP1.
  • Loss of TCR expression takes several days in cell line experiments.
  • Inducible deletion of LAT in vivo results in reduced TCRα expression over time.
  • Basal LAT-RasGRP signals appear to lead to silencing of TCRα transcription.

Takeaway

T cells need certain signals to keep their TCRα gene working, and without these signals, the gene can turn off.

Methodology

The study used Jurkat T cell lines and mouse models to analyze the role of LAT and RasGRP1 in maintaining TCRα expression.

Limitations

The study primarily used cell lines and may not fully represent in vivo conditions.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025540

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