Diversity and structure of genes of the alpha family of mouse T-cell antigen receptor.
We have analysed 19 complementary DNA clones encoding the alpha-chain of the T-cell antigen receptor derived from thymic transcripts, and find that 15 of them contain partial or complete variable (V alpha) genes. Seven of these genes cross-hybridize to over 40 germline V alpha gene segments in Southern blot analyses. Of the 19 joining (J alpha) sequences examined, 18 seem to be encoded by distinct gene segments, hence the repertoire of J alpha gene segments is much larger than those of the immunoglobulin or T-cell receptor beta-chain gene families. We suggest that the variable domains of immunoglobulins and T-cell antigen receptors are similar in structure.
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D005796:Genes; D014644:Genetic Variation; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region / Q000235:genetics*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D051379:Mice; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D004247:DNA