Ordered rearrangement of variable region genes of the T cell receptor gamma locus correlates with transcription of the unrearranged genes.
T cell receptor V gamma genes rearrange to the J gamma 1 gene segment in a highly ordered fashion during development. We demonstrate a striking correlation between the pattern of expression of unrearranged V gamma genes and the timing of their rearrangement. Thus, the increases in V gamma 2 rearrangements, and decreases in V gamma 3 and V gamma 4 rearrangements observed during development are paralleled by increasing or decreasing levels of the corresponding unrearranged V gene transcript. We also provide evidence that both the V gamma 3 and V gamma 4 genes are accessible in mature V gamma 3+ cells, but that the V gamma 4 gene may be inaccessible in the progenitors of V gamma 3 cells. The results suggest that regulated local accessibility of the chromatin surrounding V gamma genes is responsible for ordered V gamma gene rearrangement during development.
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley 94720.
J P
JP
Goldman
D M
DM
Spencer
D H
DH
Raulet
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D015334:Gene Rearrangement, gamma-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*
D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta; D004247:DNA