Transcription and recombination of the murine RS element
Daitch, L.E.; Moore, M.W.; Persiani, D.M.; Durdik, J.M.; Selsing, E.
Journal of Immunology 149(3): 832-840
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1767 PMID: 1634771 Document Number: 391762
The deletion of C.kappa. is a frequent event in .lambda.-producing B cells in both mice and humans. Deletions of the murine C.kappa. gene are mediated by recombination events that involve the RS (recombining segment) element located downstream of the C.kappa. gene. RS recombinations appear to be mediated by the same mechanisms involved in Ig and TCR gene rearrangement. It has been suggested that RS recombinations might activate a factor that is involved in the initiation of .lambda. gene rearrangement in maturing pre-B cells. We have identified a unique RNA transcript derived from the recombined RS element present in some pre-B cell lines. However, gene transfer studies indicate that this RS transcript is not sufficient to induce .lambda. gene recombination in pre-B cell lines. We also find that recombination of the RS element in pre-B cell lines is closely correlated with changes in chromatin structure and transcriptional activation. Thus, recombination of the RS element in pre-B cells appears to be regulated in a manner similar to the regulation of antibody gene VDJ joining.