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Transcripts from an aberrantly re-arranged human T-cell receptor beta-chain gene
The EMBO Journal
|May 1, 1985
Summary
Researchers identified abnormal T-cell receptor beta-chain gene transcripts in leukaemic cells. These non-functional transcripts, found in Jurkat cells, contain a novel joining region and are abundant in T-cell lines.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The T-cell receptor (TCR) is crucial for adaptive immunity.
- Aberrant gene rearrangements are implicated in leukaemogenesis.
- Understanding TCR gene expression in leukaemic cells is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate T-cell receptor beta-chain gene expression in the Jurkat leukaemic cell line.
- To characterize any non-functional TCR beta-chain transcripts identified.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of cDNA clones from a Jurkat cell line library.
- Nucleotide sequencing of isolated cDNA clones.
- Analysis of RNA transcripts in various T-cell lines.
Main Results:
- Isolation of multiple cDNA clones homologous to the human TCR beta-chain gene.
- Identification of two clones synthesizing an aberrant RNA transcript.
- The transcript, likely from a rearranged C beta 1 gene, cannot encode a functional beta-chain.
- This transcript contains a novel joining region and is abundant in several T-cell lines.
Conclusions:
- Jurkat cells produce a non-functional TCR beta-chain RNA transcript due to aberrant gene rearrangement.
- This aberrant transcript may be a common feature in T-cell lines.