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A new human HLA class II-related locus, DM
A P Kelly1, J J Monaco, S G Cho
1Human Immunogenetics Laboratory, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Holborn, London, UK.
Nature
|October 10, 1991
Summary
Researchers discovered two new genes, RING6 and RING7, related to Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class II molecules. These genes may represent a previously unknown protein involved in immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Molecular Biology
- Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) research
Background:
- Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class II molecules are critical for immune responses to antigens.
- The genetic region encoding HLA class II molecules is complex and contains several important loci.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel genes within the HLA class II region.
- To investigate the evolutionary origins and potential function of newly discovered HLA class II-like sequences.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and sequencing of complementary DNA (cDNA) from the HLA region.
- Gene mapping to determine the chromosomal location of the new sequences.
- Phylogenetic analysis to understand evolutionary relationships.
Main Results:
- Two new class II-like complementary DNA sequences, designated RING6 and RING7, were isolated.
- These genes were mapped to a location between the HLA-DNA and -DOB loci.
- RING6 and RING7 represent novel members of the immunoglobulin gene family, potentially diverging early in evolution.
Conclusions:
- The RING6 and RING7 genes encode putative alpha- and beta-chains of a previously undiscovered class II-related protein.
- These findings expand our understanding of the HLA gene family and its evolutionary history.
- The identified protein may play a role in immune system function, warranting further investigation.