title: The structure, rearrangement and expression of D beta gene segments of the murine T-cell antigen receptor.
abstract: It has been postulated that the variable region of the beta-polypeptide of the murine T-cell antigen receptor is encoded by three distinct germ-line gene segments--variable (V beta), diversity (D beta) and joining (J beta)--that are rearranged to generate a V beta gene. Germ-line V beta and J beta gene segments have been isolated previously. Here we report the isolation and characterization of two germ-line D beta gene segments that have recognition signals for DNA rearrangement strikingly similar to those found in the three immunoglobulin gene families and in V beta and J beta gene segments. The D beta and J beta segments can join in the absence of V beta gene segment rearrangement and these rearranged sequences are transcribed in some T cells.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes; D005796:Genes; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region / Q000235:genetics; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D051379:Mice; D009876:Operon; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000235:genetics*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes