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E Selsing

Publications and source records attributed to E Selsing.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Transcription and recombination of the murine RS element.

The deletion of C kappa is a frequent event in lambda-producing B cells in both mice and humans. Deletions of the murine C kappa gene are mediated by recombination events that involve the RS (recombining segment) element located downstream of the C kappa gene. RS recombinations appear to be mediated by the same mechanisms involved in Ig and TCR gene rearrangement. It has been suggested that RS recombinations might activate a factor that is involved in the initiation of lambda gene rearrangement in maturing pre-B cells. We have identified a unique RNA transcript derived from the recombined RS element present in some pre-B cell lines. However, gene transfer studies indicate that this RS transcript is not sufficient to induce lambda gene recombination in pre-B cell lines. We also find that recombination of the RS element in pre-B cell lines is closely correlated with changes in chromatin structure and transcriptional activation. Thus, recombination of the RS element in pre-B cells appears to be regulated in a manner similar to the regulation of antibody gene VDJ joining.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

B cell abnormalities induced by a mu Ig transgene extend to L chain isotype usage.

We have analyzed the phenotype of B cell populations from mice transgenic for a rearranged Ig mu H chain gene. We find a decrease in the number of B cells in the spleens of these mice. Transgenic B cells have decreased surface levels of both IgM and IgD. The circulating IgM in these mice is 3- to 10-fold enriched in lambda L chains, compared with that in non-transgenic mice. Analysis of IgM-producing hybridomas, from transgenic mice that express the transgene at high levels, demonstrates that this higher lambda frequency is observed in transgene-nonexpressing as well as transgene-expressing hybridomas. A partial loss of L chain isotype exclusion is also noted in these hybridomas, and a significant proportion of primary B cells expressing both kappa and lambda L chains on their surface can be demonstrated. These findings suggest an ability of the transgenic Ig H chain to affect events in B cell ontogeny beyond the H chain locus. Our results support a quantitative model of exclusion for both the H chain alleles and the L chain isotypes.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Isotype switching of an immunoglobulin heavy chain transgene occurs by DNA recombination between different chromosomes.

Transgenic mice carrying an immunoglobulin mu heavy chain transgene exhibit isotype switching of the transgene. We have now characterized the mechanism of transgene switching in these mice. The site of mu transgene insertion in one transgenic line has been localized to chromosome 5 using a series of polymorphic endogenous retroviruses as genetic markers in backcross mice. The endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain locus resides on mouse chromosome 12, which shows that transgene isotype switching can occur between two different chromosomes even though normal antibody gene switching has generally been thought to occur within one chromosome. We find that transgene isotype switching involves interchromosomal DNA recombination, and our data suggest that the same enzymatic mechanisms mediate both normal isotype switch recombination and interchromosomal transgene switching. Our findings also support the notion that the isotype switching mechanism can induce chromosomal translocations such as observed for the c-myc gene in some B cell tumors.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Neonatal and adult primary B cells use the same germ-line VH and V kappa genes in their (T,G)-A-L-specific repertoire.

Although there is a nonrandom usage of VH gene families by primary B cells early in ontogeny, at issue is whether the preferential rearrangement of 3' germ-line VH genes, e.g., VH7183 and VHQ52 family genes, influences the neonatal B cell repertoire that can be expressed in response to Ag. In order to address this issue, and to determine whether neonatal B cells can use the same germ-line VH and V kappa genes as adult B cells in their primary response, we have analyzed at the molecular level the neonatal antibody response to (T,G)-A-L and compared it with the adult primary response. Among the TGB5 Id+, GT+ antibodies, which dominate the neonatal response to (T,G)-A-L, two VH gene families were used: J558 (high frequency) and 36-60 (low frequency). The majority of Id+ neonatal hybridomas used the same germ-line VH gene (H10, from the VHJ558 family), but with enormous diversity in the D region, and one of two germ-line V kappa 1 genes (V kappa 1A, V kappa 1C). These are the same germ-line V-genes used by most primary adult Id+ hybridomas, and the frequency of expression of this germ-line V-gene combination appears equivalent in the neonatal and adult primary repertoires. Therefore, it is clear from this study that as early as day 5, neonatal B cells can use the same germ-line V-genes as adult primary B cells in their Ag-specific repertoire.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Tissue-specific expression of allogeneic class II MHC molecules induces neither tissue rejection nor clonal inactivation of alloreactive T cells.

To analyze the control of self tolerance to tissue-specific Ag, we have constructed C57BL/6 (H-2b) transgenic mice that express allogeneic class II (I-Ad) molecules exclusively on pancreatic islet cells. By a number of criteria, including I-Ad mRNA, and tissue and cell surface I-Ad protein levels, the islet cells appear to be expressing levels of I-Ad similar to B lymphocytes. Although one of the transgenic lines that expresses only the beta-chain occasionally displays slightly elevated glucose levels, this hyperglycemia is not enhanced when alpha and beta are coexpressed, allowing for cell surface I-Ad expression. None of the mice examined has demonstrated any autoimmune reaction to the I-Ad+ islet cells. Despite this apparent lack of recognition of the I-Ad+ islet cells, these animals demonstrate no reduction in the in vitro MLR generated to the same MHC molecule. Therefore, these mice remain functionally tolerant to the transgene product without inactivating those T cells that can recognize this same MHC molecule in vitro.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Quantitative analysis of idiotypic mimicry and allelic exclusion in mice with a mu Ig transgene.

Analysis of C57BL/6 mice (IgM allotype, Igh-6b or mu b) that carry an Ig H chain transgene of a different allotype (mu a) shows that IgM molecules of mixed allotype (mu a mu b) are present among serum antibodies. The finding was extended to hybridomas prepared from nonimmune transgenic mice, many of which also failed to exhibit allelic exclusion. The proportions of mu a and mu b secreted by individual hybridomas varied markedly, and the product of an individual hybridoma was found to be heterogeneous with respect to the allotype content of individual molecules. The ratio of mu a:mu b chains secreted by individual hybridomas was found to correlate with the number of transgene copies remaining in each hybridoma, and several hybridomas that secrete only mu b-positive molecules had apparently lost all but one copy of the transgene. An idiotype characteristic of the transgene was found to be present only in association with the transgenic (mu a) allotype, and indirect evidence strongly suggests that the idiotype was present only on mu a polypeptide chains. Thus, there is no evidence in this system for the induction of idiotypically cross-reactive endogenous molecules.

Alleles↗
PubMed1989

DNase I sensitivity of immunoglobulin light chain genes in Abelson murine leukemia virus transformed pre-B cell lines.

We have used Abelson murine leukemia virus (A-MuLV) transformed pre-B cell lines to test the hypothesis that the rearrangement potential of a developing B-lymphocyte is dependent on an "opening" of the chromatin structure surrounding immunoglobulin (Ig) genes, thus allowing accessibility to an Ig gene recombinase. The chromatin structures surrounding heavy (H), kappa (kappa), and lambda (lambda) chain constant-region genes were assessed by DNase I sensitivity in A-MuLV transformed cell lines capable of H, kappa or lambda gene rearrangement. Our results indicate that DNase I-sensitive chromatin structures of these Ig constant-region genes correlate closely with the ability of the genes to undergo recombination. We also find that the chromatin structure of an Ig constant-region locus becomes DNase I sensitive before any DNA rearrangement events occur.

Abelson murine leukemia virus↗
PubMed1989

Isotype switching by a microinjected mu immunoglobulin heavy chain gene in transgenic mice.

Immunization of transgenic mice carrying an immunoglobulin mu heavy chain resulted in a response dominated by expression of the transgene variable region. Unexpectedly, in a large proportion of the antibody produced by immunized mice, the transgene variable region was associated with IgG rather than IgM. This demonstrates that the transgene can undergo an isotype switch. Four transgenic founder lines all exhibited transgene isotype switching despite the likelihood of random chromosomal integration of the transgene. In addition one of the lines was analyzed by breeding studies and the transgene was found to be genetically unlinked to the immunoglobulin heavy chain (Igh) locus. These results indicate that a precise chromosomal location is not required for isotype switching and suggest the possibility that the isotype switching process can occur interchromosomally.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Molecular analysis of heavy and light chains used by primary and secondary anti-(T,G)-A--L antibodies produced by normal and xid mice.

The primary (1 degree) antibody response to (T,G)-A--L shows limited heterogeneity, consisting mostly of side chain-specific antibodies that bind GT and that express the TGB5 idiotype (Id). The secondary (2 degrees) response is very diverse: antibodies that bind the backbone A--L constitute a third of the response, and a high proportion of the side chain-specific antibodies do not bind GT and are TGB5 Id-. To provide a molecular basis for understanding this difference in repertoire expression, we analyzed the Ig genes used by heavy and light chains of 1 degree and 2 degrees side chain-specific anti-(T,G)-A--L hybridoma antibodies (HP). Southern blot restriction analysis and nucleotide sequence analysis of the expressed genes used by three TGB5 Id+ 2 degrees HP showed usage of three different VH genes in two VH gene families (36-60 and J558), different D segments, and two different Vk1 genes (the Vk1A and Vk1C subgroups). Thus, antibody heterogeneity in the 2 degrees response is contributed by combinatorial diversity of distinct germ-line genes. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the expressed genes used by TGB5 Id+ 1 degree HP showed use of highly homologous VH genes in the J558 VH gene family and highly homologous Vk1A genes. The majority of TGB5 Id+ 1 degree HP from different donors gave similar heavy and similar light chain gene rearrangements by Southern blot restriction analysis, after correction for known or potential J region differences. The combined nucleotide sequence and Southern blot restriction analysis data suggest that most 1 degree B cells use the same or very similar VH and Vk genes, i.e., the 1 degree response is paucigenic. Different D segments were used by the TGB5 Id+ 1 degree and 2 degrees HP that were sequenced, and there was no apparent correlation between TGB5 idiotypy and VH, D gene, or JH gene usage. However, all TGB5 Id+ HP sequenced used highly homologous genes from the Vk1 group. Expression of a Vk1 light chain correlates with, but is not sufficient for, TGB5 idiotypy, because one GT-binding, TGB5 Id- HP was found to use a Vk1C subgroup light chain. By Southern blot and nucleotide sequence analysis, the Vk genes used by two TGB5 Id+ 2 degrees HP from xid mice are highly homologous, if not identical to the Vk1A gene(s) used by 1 degree and 2 degrees Id+ HP from wild-type mice.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1987

Active lambda and kappa antibody gene rearrangement in Abelson murine leukemia virus-transformed pre-B cell lines.

The two Abelson murine leukemia virus (A-MuLV)-transformed cell lines, BM18-4 and ABC-1, undergo immunoglobulin L-chain gene recombination during passage in tissue culture. BM18-4 cells are capable of kappa gene recombination, whereas ABC-1 cells are capable of both kappa and lambda gene recombination. The expression of H chains is apparently not necessary for continuing L chain gene recombination in either of these cells, although H-chain expression may have been involved in the initiation of L-chain gene recombination. All ABC-1 cells that have lambda gene rearrangements also display recombined kappa alleles, supporting the hypothesis that kappa and lambda gene recombination are initiated in an ordered, developmentally regulated manner in maturing B cells. However, analyses of the ABC-1 line indicate that pre-B cells that have initiated lambda gene recombination do not terminate kappa gene rearrangement. The lambda gene recombinations that occur in the ABC-1 cell line indicate that the germline order of lambda gene segments is: 5' ... V lambda 2 ... J lambda 2C lambda 2-J lambda 4C lambda 4 ... V lambda 1 ... J lambda 3C lambda 3-J lambda 1C lambda 1 ... 3'. In addition, the frequencies of lambda 1, lambda 2, and lambda 3 gene recombinations among ABC-1 cells are quite different than the frequencies of B cells producing lambda 1, lambda 2, and lambda 3 L-chains in the mouse. RS DNA recombinations also occur in the BM18-4 and ABC-1 cell lines, supporting the notion that Ig gene recombinases are involved in RS rearrangement. Recombined RS segments are infrequent among BM 18-4 cells but common among ABC-1 cells, suggesting that RS recombinational events often occur in maturing pre-B cells just before initiation of lambda gene rearrangements. This developmental timing is consistent with the hypothesis that RS recombination may be involved in the initiation of lambda gene assembly.

Abelson murine leukemia virus↗
PubMed1987

The human kappa deleting element and the mouse recombining segment share DNA sequence homology.

We have used cloned mouse and human DNA probes to identify regions of conserved homology between the human and murine DNA segments, (termed kappa deleting element (kde) and recombining segment (RS) respectively) which are frequently recombined in lambda-producing B cells. Heteroduplex analysis indicated extensive homology in the region immediately downstream of the recombination site of both segments. This was confirmed by Southern and direct nucleotide sequence analyses. Fifty percent homology was detected within the 500 nucleotides that neighbour the recombination points in the kde and RS segments. These results indicate that the kde and RS sequences are evolutionarily conserved and may be functionally relevant to normal B cell development.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Genetic analysis of low lambda 1 chain production in mice.

Several commonly used strains of laboratory mice from Charles River Laboratories were found to produce extremely low or undetectable levels of serum immunoglobulins bearing lambda 1 light chain (lambda 1 Ig). Individual CF-1, CD-1, and CFW random-bred mice were tested for serum lambda 1 levels, lambda 1-specific anti-NP responses, and genomic polymorphisms at the lambda 1 locus. In all cases, a complete correlation among these parameters was observed. The results indicated that nearly all CFW, greater than 70% of CD-1 but none of the CF-1 mice produced low levels of lambda 1 light chain. The low lambda 1 Ig production is due to a genetic defect either similar or identical to that observed in SJL mice. The data suggest that the lambda 1 locus of CD-1, CFW, and SJL mice are derived from a common ancestor. We also surveyed lambda 1 Ig production in a series of wild mice. Mice producing low lambda 1 Ig were frequently observed. The wild mice with low lambda 1 Ig levels were captured in diverse geographic areas, including Europe, Middle East, Asia, and South America. Preliminary study suggests that the defect in the wild mice is different from that of SJL, CD-1, or CFW mice and implies that other mechanisms regulate lambda 1 Ig production in wild mice.

Animal Population Groups↗
PubMed1985

Deletions of kappa chain constant region genes in mouse lambda chain-producing B cells involve intrachromosomal DNA recombinations similar to V-J joining.

We isolated and characterized the germ-line counterpart of a DNA segment designated RS (for recombining sequence), that is frequently recombined in mouse lambda light chain-producing B lymphocytes. Using Southern blot analyses of myelomas and mouse-Chinese hamster fusion cell lines, we found that RS DNA sequences are located on mouse chromosome 6, evidently more than 15 kilobases downstream of the kappa light-chain locus. We find that a typical recognition site for Ig gene recombination is situated within germ-line RS sequences near the recombination points observed in at least two lambda chain-producing cell lines. This represents a complete and functional Ig recognition site that is not directly associated with Ig genes. We also characterized a recombined RS segment isolated from the cell line BM18-4.13.9. This recombined segment has a variable region kappa light chain gene (V kappa) joined directly to RS sequences. Our results suggest that the deletion of the kappa light chain constant region (C kappa) exon in many lambda chain-producing B cells is the result of RS recombination and that C kappa deletion may be mediated by the same processes as antibody gene V-J joining (J = joining segment gene). We discuss the potential biological significance of RS DNA recombination in B-cell maturation.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Preparation of triple-block DNA polymers using recombinant DNA techniques.

The construction of several recombinant plasmid derivatives containing novel triple-block DNA sequence insertions is described. The protocol for these constructions involves synthesis of a heterogenous mixture of block oligomer duplexes, : formula: (see text), using pancreatic deoxyribonuclease and terminal transferase. The synthetic duplexes were mixed with linearized and dG-tailed vectors and the DNA mixture used to transform E. coli. Triple-block sequences of the type dGidAjdCk.dGkdTjdCi, characterized by DNA sequencing, were inserted into the Bam HI site of pBR322 and next to the lac wild-type and UV5 promoter regions in pRW26 and pRW28. Similarly, sequences were inserted into the Sma I site of pACYC189 and could be excised by cleavage with Sma I since the procudure regenerates the recognition site. The approach provides a technique for the synthesis of a large family of defined sequence triple-block polymers in essentially unlimited amounts. Although these inserts contain sequences which have the potential for forming stable hairpin structures, the recombinant plasmids are stable and appear to replicate normally.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Polynucleotide block polymers consisting of a DNA.RNA hybrid joined to a DNA.DNA duplex. Synthesis and characterization of dGn.rCidCk duplexes.

The synthesis of several nucleic acid block polymers of the general type dGn.rCidCk is described. The key steps in this procedure were the joining of dCk oligomers, protected at the 3'-OH with an acetyl group, to rCi oligomers by T4 DNA ligase and the purification of the products by RPC-5 column chromatography. The block polymers were characterized by 20% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, UV and CD spectra, analytical Cs2SO4 buoyant density analyses, helix-coil transitions and S1 nuclease studies. NMR studies on one member of this series, dGn.rC11dC16, were reported recently (Selsing, E., Wells, R.D., Early, T.A., and Kearns, D.R. (1978) Nature 275, 249-250). The NMR studies and the results described herein indicate that these block polymers are linear duplexes with two adjoining conformations yet are hydrogen-bonded and base-stacked throughout with minimal disruption of the helix at the junction of the two conformations. Computer model building studies described in the following paper (Selsing, E., Wells, R.D., Alden, C.J., and Arnott, S. (1979) J. Biol. Chem. 254, 5417-5422) predict that these nucleic acids contain a bend at the junction region.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed1979

Bent DNA: visualization of a base-paired and stacked A-B conformational junction.

A model for the junction of contiguous DNA segments having A-DNA and B-DNA conformations is generated using a computerized linked-atom, least-squares model building program. The junction region comprises one base pair and the two neighboring internucleotide linkages and exhibits full hydrogen-bonded base-pairing, full base-stacking, and unexceptional stereochemistry. In addition, the junction has a mixed sugar ring pucker with the junction base pair adopting C2-endo and C3-endo furanose sugar rings in the complementary strands. Since the junction is fully base-stacked, the differences in base tilt between A-DNA and B-DNA result in a bend of 26 degrees in the duplex at the junction. The results of this study indicate: 1) a correlation of the B leads to A transition with several features of the initiation of RNA transcription, 2) possible structural roles of alternating AT and GC sequences in protein recognition, and 3) the possibility of dynamic conformational discontinuities in a DNA helix.

Computers↗