title: Multiple sequences related to a constant-region kappa light chain gene in the rabbit genome.
abstract: Four allelic genes control kappa light chain allotypes in the rabbit. Amino acid sequence studies have revealed an extensive divergence (22%--33%) in the alternative forms of the kappa constant region (b4, b5, b6 and b9). Furthermore, independent studies have shown that a rabbit could express a wrong allotype. To assess the hypothesis that b allotypes are encoded by duplicated genes with a polymorphic control mechanism, we have analyzed the DNAs of four different homozygous rabbits using the Southern blot hybridization technique, with a cloned b4 C kappa probe. DNAs of individual b4, b5, b6 and b9 rabbits were cleaved with Eco RI, Kpn I and Pst I restriction endonucleases. Comparative analysis of restriction patterns shows that all four rabbit DNAs contain multiple DNA fragments hybridizing with the probe under low- and high-stringency washing conditions. In addition, each restriction pattern is distinct, suggesting that the C kappa genes are organized differently in animals expressing different allotypes.
mesh_terms: D000483:Alleles; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005796:Genes; D007126:Immunoglobulin Allotypes / Q000235:genetics; D007127:Immunoglobulin Constant Regions / Q000235:genetics*; D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains / Q000235:genetics*; D007145:Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains / Q000235:genetics*; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D007126:Immunoglobulin Allotypes; D007127:Immunoglobulin Constant Regions; D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains; D007145:Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains; D007136:Immunoglobulins; C496591:kappa allotype b4, rabbits; D004247:DNA; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes