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Structure and expression of human germline VH transcripts.
J E Berman1, C G Humphries, J Barth
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York 10032.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Researchers discovered a novel VH5 gene transcript in fetal tissues and B lineage cells. This transcript originates from both functional and pseudo-VH5 genes, offering new insights into B cell development and gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Molecular Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- The human VH5 gene family comprises functional and pseudogenes crucial for immunoglobulin diversity.
- Understanding VH5 gene expression is vital for B cell development and related malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel VH5 gene transcripts in human tissues and B lineage cells.
- To investigate the origin and features of these VH5 transcripts, including their relationship to germline genes.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and sequencing of VH5-positive cDNA clones from various human samples.
- Analysis of transcript initiation, polyadenylation, splicing, and coding potential.
- Comparison with known VH5 gene structure and murine germline transcripts.
Main Results:
- A novel 1.2-kb VH5 gene transcript was identified in fetal liver, cord blood, and B lineage cells.
- These transcripts represent unrearranged VH5 genes (germline transcripts) derived from both functional and pseudo-VH5 genes.
- Transcripts initiate at the VH promoter, undergo normal splicing, and possess an open reading frame, with limited polymorphisms.
Conclusions:
- The discovery of novel germline VH5 transcripts provides new information on VH5 gene expression.
- These findings contribute to understanding B cell development and the potential role of VH5 pseudogenes in gene expression.