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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
14:23
Recombineering Homologous Recombination Constructs in Drosophila
Published on: July 13, 2013
Accessibility control of V(D)J recombination.
Robin Milley Cobb1, Kenneth J Oestreich, Oleg A Osipovich
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Advances in Immunology
|August 30, 2006
Summary
Mammals generate diverse antigen receptors through V(D)J recombination, a process tightly controlled by chromatin accessibility. This regulation ensures proper lymphocyte development and prevents dangerous genetic errors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Mammals require diverse antigen receptors (immunoglobulin and T cell receptors) to combat pathogens.
- Lymphocyte development involves V(D)J recombination, a complex genetic rearrangement process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the mechanisms controlling V(D)J recombination through chromatin accessibility.
- To understand the role of accessibility control elements (ACEs) in regulating V(D)J recombination.
Main Methods:
- Focus on cis-acting regulation by ACEs.
- Investigate nuclear factors controlling ACE function.
- Examine epigenetic modifications influencing recombinase accessibility.
Main Results:
- V(D)J recombination specificity is largely determined by chromatin accessibility at target gene segments.
- Accessibility control elements (ACEs) and transcription factors modulate chromatin structure.
- ACEs recruit enzymes for nucleosome modification and remodeling, critical for V(D)J recombination.
Conclusions:
- Chromatin accessibility is a key regulatory mechanism for V(D)J recombination.
- Understanding ACEs, nuclear factors, and epigenetic modifications is crucial for controlling lymphocyte development and preventing lymphoid tumors.
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