Somatic mutations of immunoglobulin variable genes are restricted to the rearranged V gene.
An important question concerning the mechanism of somatic mutation of immunoglobulin variable (V) genes is whether it involves all of the numerous V genes in a differentiated B cell, independent of location, or if it is restricted to a particular chromosomal site. Comparison of the sequence of two alleles of a given V gene shows that the mutations are limited to the rearranged V gene, while the same V gene on the other chromosome has not undergone mutation. This indicates that a V gene sequence alone is not sufficient for somatic mutation to take place. The mutation is therefore restricted to the rearranged V gene and consequently does not occur before rearrangement.
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D001666:Binding Sites, Antibody / Q000235:genetics*; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000502:physiology; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D005796:Genes; D007127:Immunoglobulin Constant Regions / Q000235:genetics; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region / Q000235:genetics*; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000235:genetics; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D009154:Mutation
D007127:Immunoglobulin Constant Regions; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D004247:DNA