Biochemistry of V(D)J recombination.
The genes that encode immunoglobulin and T cell receptor proteins are assembled from component gene segments in a reaction known as V(D)J recombination. The reaction, and its crucial mediators RAG1 and RAG2, are essential for lymphocyte development and hence for adaptive immunity. Here we consider the biochemistry of this reaction, focusing on the DNA transactions and the proteins involved. We discuss how the RAG proteins interact with DNA and how coordinate cleavage of the DNA at two sites might be achieved. Finally, we consider the RAG proteins and V(D)J recombination from an evolutionary point of view.
Section of Immunobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8011, USA. david.schatz@yale.edu
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D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D002460:Cell Line; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005803:Genes, Immunoglobulin; D019672:Genes, T-Cell Receptor; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D045567:VDJ Recombinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; C499311:RAG2 protein, human; C064658:RAG-1 protein; D045567:VDJ Recombinases