The mink gene for the lambda light immunoglobulin chain: characterization of cDNA and chromosomal localization

A cDNA library from mink spleen was constructed by use of the phage lambda gt11. The library was screened using polyvalent serum raised against the mink immunoglobulin lambda chain. As a result, several clones expressing mink immunoglobulin lambda light chains were identified. Sequencing of one of the clones with an 803 bp insert was performed. The insert comprised nearly the entire coding region for the mature lambda light immunoglobulin gene with the exception of the leader polypeptide and several amino acids of the FR1 region of the V segment. Compared with the rabbit, mouse and human lambda light immunoglobulin genes, the homology of the cloned sequence was found to be highest relative to the rabbit gene. With the cloned mink cDNA containing the C-region only as a probe, the DNAs from mink-Chinese hamster hybrid clones were studied. The results of segregation analysis of this mink cDNA sequence and mink chromosomes in the mink-Chinese hamster clone panel allowed us to assign the gene for the lambda light immunoglobulin constant polypeptide (IGLC) to mink Chromosome (Chr) 4.