Related Experiment Videos
Coordinate change in phenotype in a mouse cell line selected for CD8 expression.
1Cancer Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute, San Diego, CA 92186-5800.
Immunogenetics
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Researchers isolated a CD8+ cell derivative from a CD4+ cell line, observing coordinated changes in cell surface markers and gene expression. This suggests a regulatory gene alteration impacting thymocyte differentiation, potentially involving DNA methylation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- The study investigates cell line differentiation.
- Understanding changes in cell surface markers is crucial for immunology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a CD8+ derivative of the CD4+ SAKRTLS 12.1 cell line.
- To explore the underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms driving observed cellular changes.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to isolate CD8+ cells.
- Comprehensive analysis of cell surface antigens (CD4, CD8, CD3, CD5, HSA, DEX, CD44, Thy-1.1, Ly-2.1, Ly-3.1) was performed.
- Gene methylation status was assessed in relation to gene expression changes.
Main Results:
- A CD4+, CD8- cell line derivative (SAKRTLS 12.1) was successfully isolated.
- The derivative exhibited coordinated changes in multiple cell surface markers and gene expression profiles compared to the parental line.
- Activation of the CD8 alpha chain gene correlated with DNA demethylation at specific sites.
- Revertants with the parental phenotype could not be isolated.
Conclusions:
- The CD8+ derivative likely resulted from an alteration in a regulatory gene controlling thymocyte differentiation.
- DNA methylation may play a role in mediating the observed gene expression changes during differentiation.