Abstract
V(D)J recombination assembles immunoglobulin and T cell receptor genes during lymphocyte development through a series of carefully orchestrated DNA breakage and rejoining events. DNA cleavage requires a series of protein-DNA complexes containing the RAG1 and RAG2 proteins and recombination signals that flank the recombining gene segments. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the function and domain organization of the RAG proteins, the composition and structure of RAG-DNA complexes, and the pathways that lead to the formation of these complexes. We also consider the functional significance of RAG-mediated histone recognition and ubiquitin ligase activities, and the role played by RAG in ensuring proper repair of DNA breaks made during V(D)J recombination. Finally, we propose a model for the formation of RAG-DNA complexes that involves anchoring of RAG1 at the recombination signal nonamer and RAG2-dependent surveillance of adjoining DNA for suitable spacer and heptamer sequences.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 167-202 |
| Number of pages | 36 |
| Journal | Annual Review of Genetics |
| Volume | 45 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2011 |
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All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Genetics
Cite this
V(D)J recombination : Mechanisms of initiation. / Schatz, David G.; Swanson, Patrick.
In: Annual Review of Genetics, Vol. 45, 2011, p. 167-202.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - V(D)J recombination
T2 - Mechanisms of initiation
AU - Schatz, David G.
AU - Swanson, Patrick
PY - 2011
Y1 - 2011
N2 - V(D)J recombination assembles immunoglobulin and T cell receptor genes during lymphocyte development through a series of carefully orchestrated DNA breakage and rejoining events. DNA cleavage requires a series of protein-DNA complexes containing the RAG1 and RAG2 proteins and recombination signals that flank the recombining gene segments. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the function and domain organization of the RAG proteins, the composition and structure of RAG-DNA complexes, and the pathways that lead to the formation of these complexes. We also consider the functional significance of RAG-mediated histone recognition and ubiquitin ligase activities, and the role played by RAG in ensuring proper repair of DNA breaks made during V(D)J recombination. Finally, we propose a model for the formation of RAG-DNA complexes that involves anchoring of RAG1 at the recombination signal nonamer and RAG2-dependent surveillance of adjoining DNA for suitable spacer and heptamer sequences.
AB - V(D)J recombination assembles immunoglobulin and T cell receptor genes during lymphocyte development through a series of carefully orchestrated DNA breakage and rejoining events. DNA cleavage requires a series of protein-DNA complexes containing the RAG1 and RAG2 proteins and recombination signals that flank the recombining gene segments. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the function and domain organization of the RAG proteins, the composition and structure of RAG-DNA complexes, and the pathways that lead to the formation of these complexes. We also consider the functional significance of RAG-mediated histone recognition and ubiquitin ligase activities, and the role played by RAG in ensuring proper repair of DNA breaks made during V(D)J recombination. Finally, we propose a model for the formation of RAG-DNA complexes that involves anchoring of RAG1 at the recombination signal nonamer and RAG2-dependent surveillance of adjoining DNA for suitable spacer and heptamer sequences.
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=80355122714&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1146/annurev-genet-110410-132552
DO - 10.1146/annurev-genet-110410-132552
M3 - Article
C2 - 21854230
AN - SCOPUS:80355122714
VL - 45
SP - 167
EP - 202
JO - Annual Review of Genetics
JF - Annual Review of Genetics
SN - 0066-4197
ER -