Lack of somatic hypermutation of IG V(H) genes in lymphoid malignancies with t(2;14)(p13;q32) translocation involving the BCL11A gene

The t(2;14)(p13;q32.3) involving the BCL11A and IGH genes is a rare but recurrent chromosomal aberration in B-cell malignancies. Hitherto, juxtaposition of BCL11A and IGH has only been described in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and immunocytoma. As subgroups of B-CLL can be distinguished by the pattern of somatic mutation of immunoglobulin variable (V) genes we investigated four lymphomas with IGH/BCL11A involvement for IGH hypermutation. Clonal V(H) gene rearrangements were amplified; in all four cases, sequencing of the amplificates revealed the rearranged V(H) genes to lack somatic mutations. These results suggest that t(2;14)(p13;q32.3) is associated with a subset of B-CLL/immunocytoma characterized by non-mutated IG genes deriving from pre-germinal center B cells. As the translocations in both informative cases are targeted to the switch regions of the IGG2 gene, which is mainly used in T cell-independent immune responses, these translocations presumably occurred in activated B cells in the course of T cell-independent immune responses outside the germinal center.

Lymphoid apoptosis and myeloid hyperplasia in CCAAT displacement protein mutant mice

CCAAT displacement protein (cux/CDP) is an atypical homeodomain protein that represses expression of several developmentally regulated lymphoid and myeloid genes in vitro, including gp91-phox, immunoglobulin heavy chain, the T-cell receptor beta and gamma chains, and CD8. To determine how this activity affects cell development in vivo, a hypomorphic allele of cux/CDP was created by gene targeting. Homozygous mutant mice (cux/CDP(Delta HD/Delta HD)) demonstrated a partial neonatal lethality phenotype. Surviving animals suffered from a wasting disease, which usually resulted in death between 2 and 3 weeks of age. Analysis of T lymphopoiesis demonstrated that cux/CDP(Delta HD/Delta HD) mice had dramatically reduced thymic cellularity due to enhanced apoptosis, with a preferential loss of CD4(+)CD8(+) thymocytes. Ectopic CD25 expression was also observed in maturing thymocytes. B lymphopoiesis was also perturbed, with a 2- to 3-fold reduction in total bone marrow B-lineage cells and a preferential loss of cells in transition from pro-B/pre-BI to pre-BII stages due to enhanced apoptosis. These lymphoid abnormalities were independent of effects related to antigen receptor rearrangement. In contrast to the lymphoid demise, cux/CDP(Delta HD/Delta HD) mice demonstrated myeloid hyperplasia. Bone marrow reconstitution experiments identified that many of the hematopoietic defects were linked to microenvironmental effects, suggesting that underexpression of survival factors or overexpression of death-inducing factors accounted for the phenotypes observed. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels were elevated in several tissues, especially thymus, suggesting that TNF may be a target gene for cux/CDP-mediated repression. These data suggest that cux/CDP regulates normal hematopoiesis, in part, by modulating the levels of survival and/or apoptosis factors expressed by the microenvironment.

The BCL11 gene family: involvement of BCL11A in lymphoid malignancies

Many malignancies of mature B cells are characterized by chromosomal translocations involving the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) locus on chromosome 14q32.3 and result in deregulated expression of the translocated oncogene. t(2;14)(p13;q32.3) is a rare event in B-cell malignancies. In contrast, gains and amplifications of the same region of chromosome 2p13 have been reported in 20% of extranodal B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHL), in follicular and mediastinal B-NHL, and in Hodgkin disease (HD). It has been suggested that REL, an NF-kappaB gene family member, mapping within the amplified region, is the pathologic target. However, by molecular cloning of t(2;14)(p13;q32.3) from 3 cases of aggressive B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/immunocytoma, this study has shown clustered breakpoints on chromosome 2p13 immediately upstream of a CpG island located about 300 kb telomeric of REL. This CpG island was associated with a Krüppel zinc finger gene (BCL11A), which is normally expressed at high levels only in fetal brain and in germinal center B-cells. There were 3 major RNA isoforms of BCL11A, differing in the number of carboxy-terminal zinc fingers. All 3 RNA isoforms were deregulated as a consequence of t(2;14)(p13;q32.3). BCL11A was highly conserved, being 95% identical to mouse, chicken, and Xenopus homologues. BCL11A was also highly homologous to another gene (BCL11B) on chromosome 14q32.1. BCL11A coamplified with REL in B-NHL cases and HD lymphoma cell lines with gains and amplifications of 2p13, suggesting that BCL11A may be involved in lymphoid malignancies through either chromosomal translocation or amplification.

Transcriptional activation by a matrix associating region-binding protein. contextual requirements for the function of bright

Bright (B cell regulator of IgH transcription) is a B cell-specific, matrix associating region-binding protein that transactivates gene expression from the IgH intronic enhancer (E mu). We show here that Bright has multiple contextual requirements to function as a transcriptional activator. Bright cannot transactivate via out of context, concatenated binding sites. Transactivation is maximal on integrated substrates. Two of the three previously identified binding sites in E mu are required for full Bright transactivation. The Bright DNA binding domain defined a new family, which includes SWI1, a component of the SWI.SNF complex shown to have high mobility group-like DNA binding characteristics. Similar to one group of high mobility group box proteins, Bright distorts E mu binding site-containing DNA on binding, supporting the concept that it mediates E mu remodeling. Transfection studies further implicate Bright in facilitating spatially separated promoter-enhancer interactions in both transient and stable assays. Finally, we show that overexpression of Bright leads to enhanced DNase I sensitivity of the endogenous E mu matrix associating regions. These data further suggest that Bright may contribute to increased gene expression by remodeling the immunoglobulin locus during B cell development.

PSF is a novel corepressor that mediates its effect through Sin3A and the DNA binding domain of nuclear hormone receptors

Members of the type II nuclear hormone receptor subfamily (e.g., thyroid hormone receptors [TRs], retinoic acid receptors, retinoid X receptors [RXRs], vitamin D receptor, and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors) bind to their response sequences with or without ligand. In the absence of ligand, these DNA-bound receptors mediate different degrees of repression or silencing of gene expression which is thought to result from the association of their ligand binding domains (LBDs) with corepressors. Two related corepressors, N-CoR and SMRT, interact to various degrees with the LBDs of these type II receptors in the absence of their cognate ligands. N-CoR and SMRT have been proposed to act by recruiting class I histone deacetylases (HDAC I) through an association with Sin3, although they have also been shown to recruit class II HDACs through a Sin3-independent mechanism. In this study, we used a biochemical approach to identify novel nuclear factors that interact with unliganded full-length TR and RXR. We found that the DNA binding domains (DBDs) of TR and RXR associate with two proteins which we identified as PSF (polypyrimidine tract-binding protein-associated splicing factor) and NonO/p54(nrb). Our studies indicate that PSF is a novel repressor which interacts with Sin3A and mediates silencing through the recruitment of HDACs to the receptor DBD. In vivo studies with TR showed that although N-CoR fully dissociates in the presence of ligand, the levels of TR-bound PSF and Sin3A appear to remain unchanged, indicating that Sin3A can be recruited to the receptor independent of N-CoR or SMRT. RXR was not detected to bind N-CoR although it bound PSF and Sin3A as effectively as TR, and this association with RXR did not change with ligand. Our studies point to a novel PSF/Sin3-mediated pathway for nuclear hormone receptors, and possibly other transcription factors, which may fine-tune the transcriptional response as well as play an important role in mediating the repressive effects of those type II receptors which only weakly interact with N-CoR and SMRT.

Regulation of matrix attachment region-dependent, lymphocyte-restricted transcription through differential localization within promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies

Bright (B cell regulator of IgH transcription) transactivates the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) intronic enhancer, Emicro, by binding to matrix attachment regions (MARs), sites necessary for DNA attachment to the nuclear matrix. Here we report that Bright interacts with the ubiquitous autoantigen Sp100, a component of promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML NBs), and with LYSp100B/Sp140, the lymphoid-restricted homolog of Sp100. Both in intact cells and in nuclear matrix preparations, the majority of Bright and Sp100 colocalize within PML NBs. In contrast, Bright colocalizes with only a small fraction of LYSp100B while inducing a redistribution of the majority of LYSp100B from its associated nuclear domains (LANDs) into nucleoplasm and cytoplasm. Sp100 represses the MAR-binding and transactivation activity of Bright. LYSp100B interacts more weakly with Bright but requires significantly higher levels than Sp100 to inhibit MAR binding. However, it strongly stimulates Bright transactivation through E mu. We suggest that Sp100 and LYSp100B interactions with Bright have different consequences for IgH transcription, potentially through differential association of E mu MARs with nuclear matrix- associated PML NBs and LANDs.

ARID proteins come in from the desert

Members of the recently discovered ARID (AT-rich interaction domain) family of DNA-binding proteins are found in fungi and invertebrate and vertebrate metazoans. ARID-encoding genes are involved in a variety of biological processes including embryonic development, cell lineage gene regulation and cell cycle control. Although the specific roles of this domain and of ARID-containing proteins in transcriptional regulation are yet to be elucidated, they include both positive and negative transcriptional regulation and a likely involvement in the modification of chromatin structure.

Positive and negative selection of antigen-specific B cells in transgenic mice expressing variant forms of the V(H)1 (T15) heavy chain

Four variant forms of the V1 (T15-H chain) gene are synthesized in mice. Each V1 variant pairs with a distinct L chain to produce a binding site having specificity for phosphocholine (PC). Transgenic mice expressing variant forms of the V1 gene were analyzed to elucidate the factors driving B cell selection into the peripheral repertoire. In all four lines of H chain transgenic mice analyzed, transgene expression caused complete allelic exclusion of endogenous H chains in the bone marrow (BM), whereas most splenic B cells expressed endogenous H chains. The number of sIgM(+) BM B cells and their sIg receptor number was reduced compared to that of normal transgene-negative controls, suggesting that B cells expressing transgene-encoded H chains were being negatively selected in the BM. Mice expressing autoreactive forms of the V1 transgene with lower affinity for PC (M603H and M167H) exhibit positive selection of PC-specific B cells into the spleen, whereas mice expressing the higher affinity T15H variant exhibited elevated PC-specific B cells in the peritoneal cavity but few V(H)1(+) splenic B cells. These data suggest that the higher affinity T15-id(+) B cells preferentially survive in the peritoneal cavity. When these H chain transgenes were crossed into the mu MT knockout mouse in which surface expression of endogenous H chains is blocked, the percent of splenic V(H)1(+) PC-specific B cells increased up to 5-fold and T15-id(+) B cells were detectable in the spleen of T15H mice. This implies that T15-id(+) PC-specific B cells can be selected into the periphery, but they compete poorly with follicular B cells expressing endogenous Ig.

Nuclear NonO/p54(nrb) protein is a nonclassical carbonic anhydrase

The growing carbonic anhydrase (CA) gene family includes 11 enzymatically active isozymes in mammals. Each of them has a characteristic cellular and subcellular distribution pattern. In this report, we demonstrate for the first time a nuclear protein with CA activity. A polypeptide recognized by CA II antibodies was purified from several rat tissues using CA inhibitor affinity chromatography. This polypeptide of apparent 66 kDa mass was characterized using amino acid sequencing and CA activity measurements. It appeared to be identical to nonO/p54(nrb), a previously cloned and characterized RNA and DNA binding nuclear factor. Recombinant nonO generated in baculovirus bound to the CA inhibitor affinity chromatography matrix and revealed detectable CA activity (25 units/mg). Hansson's histochemical staining of rat lymph nodes followed by light and electron microscopy showed nuclear CA activity in lymphocytes, suggesting that the nuclear nonO protein is catalytically active in vivo. These results demonstrate that a previously known transcription factor is a novel, nonclassical CA. Through its CA activity, the nonO may function in the maintenance of pH homeostasis in the nucleus.

A plasma cell leukemia patient showing bialleic 14q translocations: t(2;14) and t(11;14)

We report here an IgG/lambda-type plasma cell leukemia patient showing bialleic 14q32 translocations. All immunoglobulins were suppressed in this patient, but a small amount of monoclonal IgG was detected by immunoelectrophoresis. Two cells of six peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed 46,XY,t(2;14)(q11;q32), i(8)(q10), t(11;14)(q13;q32), del(12)(q13.1) by karyotypic analysis. We confirmed the juxtaposition of IgH and PRAD1/Cyclin D1 genes by fluorescent in situ hybridization and overexpression of the PRAD1/Cyclin D1 gene, but Southern analysis showed no bcl-1 rearrangement. We analyzed the t(2;14)(q11;q32) using DNA fragments derived from childhood B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia cases bearing t(2;14)(p13;q32). Southern and Northern analyses demonstrated no alteration of these genes, indicating that this t(2;14) was different from that of childhood B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia. At the IgH loci, Southern analysis showed two rearranged bands and one germ-line band of JH. Cmicro was deleted on one rearranged allele but remained on the other, suggesting that the chromosome translocation occurred after productive class switch recombination on the Cmicro deleted allele.

Cux/CDP homeoprotein is a component of NF-muNR and represses the immunoglobulin heavy chain intronic enhancer by antagonizing the bright transcription activator

Nuclear matrix attachment regions (MARs) flanking the immunoglobulin heavy chain intronic enhancer (Emu) are the targets of the negative regulator, NF-muNR, found in non-B and early pre-B cells. Expression library screening with NF-muNR binding sites yielded a cDNA clone encoding an alternatively spliced form of the Cux/CDP homeodomain protein. Cux/CDP fulfills criteria required for NF-muNR identity. It is expressed in non-B and early pre-B cells but not mature B cells. It binds to NF-muNR binding sites within Emu with appropriate differential affinities. Antiserum specific for Cux/CDP recognizes a polypeptide of the predicted size in affinity-purified NF-muNR preparations and binds NF-muNR complexed with DNA. Cotransfection with Cux/CDP represses the activity of Emu via the MAR sequences in both B and non-B cells. Cux/CDP antagonizes the effects of the Bright transcription activator at both the DNA binding and functional levels. We propose that Cux/CDP regulates cell-type-restricted, differentiation stage-specific Emu enhancer activity by interfering with the function of nuclear matrix-bound transcription activators.

Regulatory elements in the promoter of a murine TCRD V gene segment

TCRD V segments rearrange in an ordered fashion during human and murine thymic development. Recombination requires the accessibility of substrate gene segments, and transcriptional enhancers and promoters have been shown to regulate the accessible chromatin configuration. We therefore investigated the regulation of TCRD V rearrangements by characterizing the promoter of the first TCRD V segment to be rearranged, DV101S1, under the influence of its own enhancer. Sequences required for full promoter activity were identified by transient transfections of normal and mutated promoters into a human gammadelta lymphoma, and necessary elements fall between -86 and +66 nt, relative to the major transcription start site. They include a cAMP responsive element (CRE) at -62, an Ets site at -39, a TATA box at -26, the major transcriptional start site sequence (-8 to -5 and -2 to +11), and a downstream sequence (+12 to +33). Gel shift analyses and in vitro DNase I footprinting showed that nuclear proteins bind to the functionally relevant CRE, Ets, +1 to +10 sequence, and the +17 to +21 sequence. Nuclear proteins also bind to an E box at -52, and GATA-3 binds to a GATA motif at -5, as shown by Ab ablation-supershift experiments, but mutations that abrogated protein binding to these sites failed to affect DV101S1 promoter activity. We conclude that not all protein-binding sites within the DV101S1 minimal promoter are important for enhancer driven TCRD gene transcription. Further, the possibility remains that the GATA and E box sites function in enhancer independent DV101S1 germline transcription.

Hybrid membrane IgM with the transmembrane region of I-A alpha facilitates enhanced presentation of distinct epitopes to T cells

The role of B cell Ag receptors (membrane Ig or mIg) in the efficient Ag presentation to T cells, including the requirement of mIgM-associated Ig alpha/Igbeta, remains unclear. We report here that mIgM, substituted with greater than two-thirds of the NH2-terminal A alpha transmembrane (TM) regions of the MHC class II molecule, are capable of mediating the efficient presentation of specific Ag to some (Group 1) but not all (Group 2) T cell hybridomas. In contrast, the generation of epitopes recognized by the Group 2 hybridomas can be mediated only by the wild-type mIgM. Tyrosine phosphorylation appears to be necessary for the enhanced Ag presentation to Group 2 hybridomas, while it does not for Group 1 hybridomas. In addition, differential sensitivity of Ag processing to leupeptin, different duration required for epitope generation/presentation, as well as the involvement of distinct epitopes for stimulation of these groups of T cell hybridomas were observed. These results suggest that transport of the mIgM/Ag complexes to an endocytic compartment(s) for generation of certain T cell epitopes may be mediated by the N-terminal TM sequence of mIgM, independent of Ig alpha/Igbeta association. This function can be replaced by two-thirds of the NH2-terminal TM region of A alpha chain of class II molecules.

NonO enhances the association of many DNA-binding proteins to their targets

NonO is an unusual nucleic acid binding protein not only in that it binds both DNA and RNA but that it does so via functionally separable domains. Here we document that NonO enhances the binding of some (E47, OTF-1 and OTF-2) but not all (PEA3) conventional sequence-specific transcription factors to their recognition sites in artificial substrates as well as in an immunoglobulin VHpromoter. We also show that NonO induces the binding of the Ku complex to DNA ends. Ku has no known DNA sequence specificity. These enhancement of binding effects are NonO concentration dependent. Using the E box activity of E47 as a model, kinetic studies demonstrate that the association rate of the protein-DNA complex increases in the presence of NonO while the dissociation rate remains the same, thereby increasing the sum total of the interaction. Oligo competition experiments indicate that NonO does not contact the target DNA in order to enhance the binding activity of DNA binding proteins. Rather, methylation interference analysis reveals that the induced E47 binding-activity has the same DNA-binding sequence specificity as the normal binding. This result suggests that one of the effects of NonO is to induce a true protein-DNA interaction. In this way, it might be possible for NonO to play a crucial role in gene regulation.

Ku is a general inhibitor of DNA-protein complex formation and transcription

Ku is a ubiquitous and abundant DNA binding protein. Recently, it has been shown that Ku plays a crucial role in double stranded-DNA (dsDNA) break repair such as occurs during the V(D)J recombination of Ig genes. Ku has also been found to provide DNA binding activity to the catalytic domain of DNA-PK which is known to phosphorylate several transcription factors, suggesting that Ku is a multifunctional protein that participates as a component of several functional DNA-protein complexes. Here, we examined the interaction of Ku with several DNA binding proteins. Firstly, the DNA binding interaction between Ku and well-characterized transcription factors (OTF-1, Sp-1, AP-1) was analysed by EMSA. Although sequence non-specific, Ku was strongly competitive with these sequence specific transcription factors on compatible DNA elements, displacing them because of its high affinity association with DNA ends. Secondly, to determine whether this competitive effect was functionally relevant, we tested Ku in an in vitro transcription system with the adenovirus major late promoter. We found that Ku inhibited transcription from linear, but not from circular template DNA. These results suggest that Ku inhibits transcription when it is able to bind to template DNA and that the inhibition is the result of Ku displacing specific transcription factors from DNA.

Analysis and comparison of the mouse and human immunoglobulin heavy chain JH-Cmu-Cdelta locus

We report here 23,686 bases of contiguous DNA sequences from the mouse germline immunoglobulin heavy chain (H) constant (C) mu delta region. The sequence spans the joining (JH) regions, the mu constant region (C mu), the delta constant region (C delta) coding regions, a domain relic, the mu switch region (S mu), seven blocks of simple sequence repeats, a large unique sequence inverted repeat, a large unique sequence forward repeat, and all of the intervening material. A comparison of this 23.7-kb region with the corresponding human C mu/C delta region reveals clear homology in the coding and introns of C mu but not in the 5' flanking J gene segments nor in the intergenic and C delta regions. This mixed pattern of similarity between the human and the mouse sequences contrasts with high levels of similarity found in the T-cell receptor C alpha/C delta region and alpha and beta myosin genes and the very low levels found in the gamma-crystallin, XRCC1, and beta-globin gene clusters. The human and mouse comparison further suggests the incorporation of novel sequences into expressed genes of IgD.

A comparison of 2 analgesic regimens for the control of postoperative periodontal discomfort

A single blind study of 24 patients compared the postoperative periodontal pain relief and adverse effects associated with a pretreatment regimen with etodolac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), to a typical pro re nada (prn) regimen with a combination of acetaminophen with hydrocodone. Patients selected required one or more periodontal osseous surgeries that were judged to involve relatively similar degrees of surgical manipulation. Patients in the etodolac group received two 300 mg capsules 30 minutes prior to surgery and then redosed themselves prn. Patients who received the combination drug were not premedicated and followed a prn regimen. The subjects used a verbal analogue scale to report levels of pain hourly for the first 8 hours (starting 30 minutes prior to surgery) and also indicated any side effects experienced during the first week after surgery. Specific parameters monitored were the mean sum of hourly pain scores, mean hourly pain scores, time to first medication, number of postoperative doses, and adverse effects. Of the parameters studied, the only one that showed a statistically significant difference was the time to first medication. The time span from 30 minutes prior to the beginning of surgery to the first postsurgical dose was greater for etodolac than for the combination drug. However, the total number of medications taken under both regimens was similar. The side effects were minimal for both of the drugs studied. It was concluded that the analgesic regimens tested under clinical practice conditions were comparable in providing analgesia with minimum side effects in uncomplicated periodontal osseous surgery. Studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to definitively address whether these regimens are truly equivalent.

The immunoglobulin heavy-chain matrix-associating regions are bound by Bright: a B cell-specific trans-activator that describes a new DNA-binding protein family

B lymphocyte-restricted transcription of immunoglobulin heavy-chain (IgH) genes is specified by elements within the variable region (VH) promoter and the intronic enhancer (E mu). The gene encoding a protein that binds a VH promoter proximal site necessary for induced mu-heavy-chain transcription has been cloned. This B-cell specific protein, termed Bright (B cell regulator of IgH transcription), is found in both soluble and matrix insoluble nuclear fractions. Bright binds the minor groove of a restricted ATC sequence that is sufficient for nuclear matrix association. This sequence motif is present in previously described matrix-associating regions (MARs) proximal to the promoter and flanking E mu. Bright can activate E mu-driven transcription by binding these sites, but only when they occur in their natural context and in cell lines permissive for E mu activity. To bind DNA, Bright requires a novel tetramerization domain and a previously undescribed domain that shares identity with several proteins, including SWI1, a component of the SWI/SNF complex.

IgD class switching: identification of a novel recombination site in neoplastic and normal B cells

IgD on normal B lymphocytes usually is co-expressed with IgM. A minority of normal plasma cells and rare B cell malignancies express exclusively IgD (IgM-IgD+). The low frequency has been explained by the lack of a recognizable switch region within the C mu-C delta intron. We analyzed four cases of IgM-IgD+ hairy cell leukemia (HCL) by Southern (DNA) blot analysis and identified two cases with a recombinatorial event within the C mu-C delta intron and deletion of C mu. DNA sequence analysis of junctional regions showed that S mu or the immediate upstream region was used as a donor site and that the C mu-C delta intronic sigma delta region was used as acceptor site. Using polymerase chain reaction, we subsequently analyzed whether similar S mu-sigma delta recombinations occur in normal tonsils containing IgM-IgD+ plasma cells. Multiple products with a size range of 200-800 base pairs were detected in all four individuals, suggesting clustering of acceptor sites within sigma delta. Sequence analysis of three cloned products showed S mu-sigma delta recombinations similar those observed in HCL. The sigma delta region contains a relatively high content of pentameric repeats with an extremely G-rich area and appears to function as a vestigial switch recombination site in normal and neoplastic IgM-IgD+ B cells.

Analysis of direct and inverted DJH rearrangements in a human Ig heavy chain transgenic minilocus

D to JH rearrangement can occur either by a deletional or an inversional mechanism. In this study, we have analyzed deletional and inversional D to JH recombination in a human Ig heavy chain transgenic minilocus. The analysis of these events in a transgenic minilocus rather than in vivo in the human is simplified by the presence of a limited number of well defined VH, D, and JH gene segments in the minilocus. We show that in the transgenic minilocus, all D gene segments can be rearranged by deletion and virtually all can be rearranged by inversion. We also show that depending upon the D gene segment, rearrangement by deletion occurs approximately 1 to 1000 times more frequently than rearrangement by inversion. Our data suggest that in vivo, signal and coding end sequences are the major influences on the rearrangement frequency of a particular gene segment in a given orientation rather than its position within the transgenic locus. Additionally, our data indicate that intronic and recombination signal sequences are involved in the bias for deletion over inversion rather than the recombinase machinery itself.

Analysis of direct and inverted DJH rearrangements in a human Ig heavy chain transgenic minilocus

D to JH rearrangement can occur either by a deletional or an inversional mechanism. In this study, we have analyzed deletional and inversional D to JH recombination in a human Ig heavy chain transgenic minilocus. The analysis of these events in a transgenic minilocus rather than in vivo in the human is simplified by the presence of a limited number of well defined VH, D, and JH gene segments in the minilocus. We show that in the transgenic minilocus, all D gene segments can be rearranged by deletion and virtually all can be rearranged by inversion. We also show that depending upon the D gene segment, rearrangement by deletion occurs approximately 1 to 1000 times more frequently than rearrangement by inversion. Our data suggest that in vivo, signal and coding end sequences are the major influences on the rearrangement frequency of a particular gene segment in a given orientation rather than its position within the transgenic locus. Additionally, our data indicate that intronic and recombination signal sequences are involved in the bias for deletion over inversion rather than the recombinase machinery itself.

Ig gamma 2b transgenes promote B cell development but alternate developmental pathways appear to function in different transgenic lines

Analysis of B cell development in three strains of gamma 2b transgenic mice shows that the gamma 2b H chain can replace the microH chain in promoting B cell differentiation. The 348C line produces 90% gamma 2b-only B cells and 10% B cells; which co-express gamma 2b and endogenous sIgM and sIgD. These IgG2b+ B cells develop into mature, recirculating CD23+ B cells. The 343-1 and gamma 2b-T15 transgenic mice produce sIgMhigh:sIgDlow:CD23- B cells that generally co-express the gamma 2b transgene-encoded H chain. Such B cells are either developmentally arrested immature B cells or arise from B-1 (CD5) progenitors. The gamma 2b-T15 mice can produce gamma 2b-only CD23+ B cells following inactivation of the endogenous mu locus, whereas 343-1 mice fail to develop B cells. Thus, gamma 2b H chains: 1) can act alone to promote the development of mature B cells, 2) synergize with microH chains for allelic exclusion, and 3) vary in their influence on B cell development in different transgenic mouse strains.

Ig gamma 2b transgenes promote B cell development but alternate developmental pathways appear to function in different transgenic lines

Analysis of B cell development in three strains of gamma 2b transgenic mice shows that the gamma 2b H chain can replace the microH chain in promoting B cell differentiation. The 348C line produces 90% gamma 2b-only B cells and 10% B cells; which co-express gamma 2b and endogenous sIgM and sIgD. These IgG2b+ B cells develop into mature, recirculating CD23+ B cells. The 343-1 and gamma 2b-T15 transgenic mice produce sIgMhigh:sIgDlow:CD23- B cells that generally co-express the gamma 2b transgene-encoded H chain. Such B cells are either developmentally arrested immature B cells or arise from B-1 (CD5) progenitors. The gamma 2b-T15 mice can produce gamma 2b-only CD23+ B cells following inactivation of the endogenous mu locus, whereas 343-1 mice fail to develop B cells. Thus, gamma 2b H chains: 1) can act alone to promote the development of mature B cells, 2) synergize with microH chains for allelic exclusion, and 3) vary in their influence on B cell development in different transgenic mouse strains.

Directional cloning of an oligonucleotide fragment into a single restriction site

Oligonucleotide fragments can be directionally subcloned into vectors at a single restriction site. By using T4 DNA polymerase exonuclease activity to treat vector DNA, single-stranded ends can be generated. The oligonucleotide sequences are designed to have sequence complementary to these single-stranded ends. Through the homologous annealing of oligonucleotides to the treated vector ends, the successfully subcloned molecules forms a circular recombinant DNA that is ready for transformation. There is no sequence restriction at the ends of the DNA fragment. All restriction site ends are accessible to this method. This approach for oligonucleotide fragment insertion and together with our previously described general method of exonuclease induced DNA subcloning provide convenient methods for the construction of recombinant DNA.

Surface immunoglobulins mediate efficient transport of antigen to lysosomal compartments resulting in enhanced specific antigen presentation by B cells

A BCL1 immunoglobulin (Ig) transfectant, expressing wild-type surface (s)IgM with the TEPC-15 idiotype (T15-Id) and anti-phosphorylcholine (PC) specificity, was previously shown to present PC-conjugated hen egg-white lysozyme (PC-HEL) to a HEL-specific T cell hybridoma at a lower antigen (Ag) concentration than that required for native HEL. Two variant Ig transfectants, expressing T15-Id sIgM with substitutions either in the entire spacer, transmembrane (TM) domain and cytoplasmic tail (B186 variant) or in the NH2-terminal third of TM domain only (TM2 variant), failed to display this sIgM-mediated, enhanced presentation of PC-HEL at low concentrations. However, prolonged treatment with anti-T15-Id monoclonal antibody (mAb) led to a reduction of surface expression of the T15-Id sIgM in the wild-type and TM2 variant, but not in the B186 variant sIgM transfectants. Treatment with anti-T15-Id mAb also resulted in an increased intracellular accumulation of T15-Id sIgM in the wild-type transfectant, but not in the B186 variant. Subcellular fractionation analysis revealed that the ligands bound to the T15-Id sIgM are not efficiently transported to the dense lysosomal compartments in both B186 and TM2 transfectants, as compared to the wild-type sIgM transfectant. A significant increase in tyrosine phosphorylation after cross-linking of the T15-Id sIgM was observed only in the wild-type sIgM transfectant. These results suggest that, while the NH2-terminal third of the TM region is not involved in the process responsible for the ligand-induced reduction of surface expression of sIgM, it appears to be essential for subsequent transport of sIgM/ligand complexes to the lysosomal compartments, as well as efficient activation of tyrosine kinases. These results strongly suggest that sIg-mediated enhancement of specific antigen presentation reflects the ability of sIg to efficiently transport antigen to the lysosomal compartments, and possibly the activation of protein tyrosine kinases.

Mutations within the NH2-terminal transmembrane domain of membrane immunoglobulin (Ig) M alters Ig alpha and Ig beta association and signal transduction

Potentiation of initial signal transduction events through the cross-linking of the B cell antigen receptor complex appears to be dependent upon the association of membrane immunoglobulin (mIg) with Ig alpha and Ig beta. We made two groups of mutations within the COOH terminus of mIgM substituting: 1) the spacer, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic domains and 2) the NH2-terminal 2-8 amino acids within the transmembrane domain (NLWTTAST). We then evaluated the ability of the mutated receptors to associate with Ig alpha and Ig beta and to initiate signal transduction events (Ca2+ mobilization and phosphorylation by tyrosine protein kinases) after cross-linking mIgM receptors. Mutant mIgM receptors containing substitutions of gamma 2b (spacer, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic domains), AA for TT, and AAAAA for TTAST bound Ig alpha and Ig beta and initiated signal transduction events after mIgM receptor cross-linking. However, substitutions of I-A alpha (spacer, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic domains) or TTVVCALGL for NLWTTAST blocked association of Ig alpha and Ig beta and initiation of signal transduction events. Results indicate that residues within the first 8 amino acids of the transmembrane domain other than TTAST are necessary for receptor function and association with Ig alpha and Ig beta.

Production and characterization of recombinant human Ku antigen

Ku is an ubiquitous nuclear heterodimeric protein consisting of p70 and p86 subunits that binds double-stranded DNA termini and associates with chromosomes in vivo. It was originally described as an autoantigen in patients with certain autoimmune diseases. The individual subunits of Ku have been difficult to isolate from human cells without denaturation and attempts to produce functional recombinant Ku have been largely unsuccessful. Here, we utilize two recombinant baculoviral vectors that carry p70 or p86 cDNA and express the Ku subunits individually as well as assemble them into the complete Ku heterodimer. In an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, recombinant Ku binds to linear double-stranded DNA but not to supercoiled, nicked circular, nor linear single-stranded DNA. Neither subunit binds DNA by itself indicating that heterodimerization is essential for function. We also describe a simple purification method for the isolation of highly purified recombinant Ku using a hexahistidine tag. The baculovirus expression system provides a stable and efficient source of not only the p70 and p86 subunits but also the functional Ku heterodimer.

Biased utilization of DHQ52 and JH4 gene segments in a human Ig transgenic minilocus is independent of antigenic selection

We have assessed the effect of antigenic selection on human Ig heavy chain D and JH gene segment utilization in mice that contain transgenes composed of 2 VH (psi VH3-105 and VH5-251), 10 D, 6 JH, C mu, and C gamma 1 human gene segments. Human heavy chains using the functional VH5-251 gene segment are expressed in the serum and on the surface of murine B cells. The second VH gene segment (psi VH3-105) is not expressed as a protein but is rearranged and transcribed into mRNA. We previously reported that the functional VH5-251 mu transcripts preferentially used the DHQ52 and JH4 gene segments similar to their use in the human repertoire. Here, we demonstrate that the nonfunctional (psi VH3-105) gene segment shows the same bias in D and JH gene segment utilization. Because transcripts using the pseudo-VH gene segment cannot be subjected to antigenic selection, we conclude that the restricted repertoire observed is Ag independent. Analysis of pseudo VH gene segment recombination products reveals no bias in D gene segment reading frame utilization. Finally, we demonstrate that in the human transgene coding sequence complementarities can affect the recombination site and that D inversion is common.

Biased utilization of DHQ52 and JH4 gene segments in a human Ig transgenic minilocus is independent of antigenic selection

We have assessed the effect of antigenic selection on human Ig heavy chain D and JH gene segment utilization in mice that contain transgenes composed of 2 VH (psi VH3-105 and VH5-251), 10 D, 6 JH, C mu, and C gamma 1 human gene segments. Human heavy chains using the functional VH5-251 gene segment are expressed in the serum and on the surface of murine B cells. The second VH gene segment (psi VH3-105) is not expressed as a protein but is rearranged and transcribed into mRNA. We previously reported that the functional VH5-251 mu transcripts preferentially used the DHQ52 and JH4 gene segments similar to their use in the human repertoire. Here, we demonstrate that the nonfunctional (psi VH3-105) gene segment shows the same bias in D and JH gene segment utilization. Because transcripts using the pseudo-VH gene segment cannot be subjected to antigenic selection, we conclude that the restricted repertoire observed is Ag independent. Analysis of pseudo VH gene segment recombination products reveals no bias in D gene segment reading frame utilization. Finally, we demonstrate that in the human transgene coding sequence complementarities can affect the recombination site and that D inversion is common.

Functional analysis of the V gamma 3 promoter of the murine gamma delta T-cell receptor

The initial day 14 wave of fetal thymocytes express a gamma delta T-cell receptor (TCR). This surface TCR is generated by preferential rearrangement of V gamma 3 and V delta 1 recombination segments. To delineate the role of regulatory sequences in this expression, we have analyzed the V gamma 3 promoter control region under the regulation of its cognate C gamma 1 enhancer. Transcription initiates 25 bases downstream from a TATTAA sequence at a consensus initiator motif. The minimal 5' promoter sequences supporting expression by transient analysis extend -243 nucleotides from the +1 start site. Three regulatory sequences in this region have been defined by deletion and mutagenesis: a consensus CTF/NF-1 site at -55, an Ets homology sequence at -65, and a degenerate, but crucial, SP-1 site at -100. The presence of additional sequences downstream of the start site which extend through the leader intron were necessary for expression. In contrast to other TCR or immunoglobulin variable regions, one or more strong upstream suppressor sequences resembling silencer elements have been observed. A 311-bp fragment, positions -586 to -897, exhibited strong repressing activity regardless of orientation when placed upstream of heterologous promoters.

DNA-binding properties and secondary structural model of the hepatocyte nuclear factor 3/fork head domain

An 84-amino acid segment of QRF-1 [glutamine (Q)-rich factor 1], a newly cloned, B-cell-derived DNA-binding protein, shows significant sequence homology with the DNA-binding domains of the hepatocyte nuclear factor 3/fork head family of proteins. Here we demonstrate that this 84-amino acid domain is necessary and sufficient for DNA binding. We also propose a secondary structural model for the domain. At the N-terminal portion of the model, a basic hook structure is followed by two amphipathic helices separated by a turn. Invariant amino acid residues within the two proposed helices form the hydrophobic cores. An aromatic kink and a third amphipathic helix comprise the center of the domain. At the C terminus, two variable-length loops flank a putative 7-amino acid helix followed by a short basic region.

Role of the B cell antigen receptor in antigen processing and presentation. Involvement of the transmembrane region in intracellular trafficking of receptor/ligand complexes

To study the role of the B cell Ag receptor (membrane-bound Ig [mIg]) in Ag processing and presentation, we have generated several Ig transfectants that express transfected TEPC-15 idiotype (T15-Id) mIgM with phosphorylcholine (PC)-binding specificity. The wild-type Ig transfectant is able to present a specific Ag (e.g., PC-conjugated hen egg-white lysozyme [PC-HEL]) more efficiently than a nonspecific Ag (HEL) to a T cell hybridoma recognizing an epitope on the HEL molecule. A substitution in the entire spacer, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic region of mIg with an equivalent region of I-A alpha chain completely abolishes this mIg-enhanced Ag presentation. Experiments with the wild-type and substituted variant Ig transfectants suggest that this substitution may interfere with normal intracellular trafficking of mIg after cross-linking with specific Ag or antibodies specific for the mIg (anti-T15-Id mAb). Prolonged treatment of the wild-type Ig transfectants with specific Ag or anti-T15-Id mAb reduces the surface expression of T15-Id mIgM and leads to an accumulation of T15-Id mIgM inside the cells. The reduced surface expression and the elevated cytoplasmic accumulation of T15-Id mIgM are not observed in the variant Ig transfectant. Despite the ability of the variant to endocytose ligands similarly to the wild-type Ig transfectant, this variant displays a higher rate of recycling of the mIg/ligand complexes back to the cell surface and a lower rate of degradation of the ligands. These abnormalities may be responsible for the deficiency in mIg-mediated enhancement of Ag presentation in the variant Ig transfectant. Therefore, our results suggest that the transmembrane region of mIg is involved in intracellular trafficking of receptor/ligand complexes and that proper delivery and handling of internalized Ag are required for the enhanced presentation of specific Ag by B cells.

Role of the B cell antigen receptor in antigen processing and presentation. Involvement of the transmembrane region in intracellular trafficking of receptor/ligand complexes

To study the role of the B cell Ag receptor (membrane-bound Ig [mIg]) in Ag processing and presentation, we have generated several Ig transfectants that express transfected TEPC-15 idiotype (T15-Id) mIgM with phosphorylcholine (PC)-binding specificity. The wild-type Ig transfectant is able to present a specific Ag (e.g., PC-conjugated hen egg-white lysozyme [PC-HEL]) more efficiently than a nonspecific Ag (HEL) to a T cell hybridoma recognizing an epitope on the HEL molecule. A substitution in the entire spacer, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic region of mIg with an equivalent region of I-A alpha chain completely abolishes this mIg-enhanced Ag presentation. Experiments with the wild-type and substituted variant Ig transfectants suggest that this substitution may interfere with normal intracellular trafficking of mIg after cross-linking with specific Ag or antibodies specific for the mIg (anti-T15-Id mAb). Prolonged treatment of the wild-type Ig transfectants with specific Ag or anti-T15-Id mAb reduces the surface expression of T15-Id mIgM and leads to an accumulation of T15-Id mIgM inside the cells. The reduced surface expression and the elevated cytoplasmic accumulation of T15-Id mIgM are not observed in the variant Ig transfectant. Despite the ability of the variant to endocytose ligands similarly to the wild-type Ig transfectant, this variant displays a higher rate of recycling of the mIg/ligand complexes back to the cell surface and a lower rate of degradation of the ligands. These abnormalities may be responsible for the deficiency in mIg-mediated enhancement of Ag presentation in the variant Ig transfectant. Therefore, our results suggest that the transmembrane region of mIg is involved in intracellular trafficking of receptor/ligand complexes and that proper delivery and handling of internalized Ag are required for the enhanced presentation of specific Ag by B cells.

Elements in the immunoglobulin heavy-chain enhancer directly regulate simian virus 40 ori-dependent DNA replication

In a previous study, we showed that the immunoglobulin heavy-chain (IgH) enhancer (IgHe) is near or in an initiation zone of chromosomal DNA replication, which is preferentially active in B cells (K. Ariizumi, Z. Wang, and P. W. Tucker, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:3695-3699, 1993). This suggests the existence of a functional relationship between IgHe-mediated transcription and DNA replication. To test this theory, we utilized simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA replication as a model of chromosomal replication. IgHe or its operationally divisible domains (5'-En, core, and 3'-En) were introduced into SV40 minichromosomes (IgHe-SV40). Results of replication assays with IgHe-SV40 replicons indicated that the 5'-En and 3'-En activated or suppressed SV40 DNA replication regardless of the presence of SV40 enhancers or promoters in these replicons. The activity did not reside in IgHe core sequences. The results suggested that the 5'- and 3'-En regulated SV40 replication through direct interaction with the origin, not through suppression at the SV40 enhancer and/or promoter. In an effort to identify elements within the 5'-En motif that contributed to this effect, we found that the E site, but not microE5 and microE2 boxes, upregulated DNA replication. Our results provide another possible regulatory function for the 5'-En and 3'-En domains besides transcriptional suppression of IgHe.

NonO, a non-POU-domain-containing, octamer-binding protein, is the mammalian homolog of Drosophila nonAdiss

We have cloned the ubiquitous form of an octamer-binding, 60-kDa protein (NonO) that appears to be the mammalian equivalent of the Drosophila visual and courtship song behavior protein, no-on-transient A/dissonance (nonAdiss). A region unprecedently rich in aromatic amino acids containing two ribonuclear protein binding motifs is highly conserved between the two proteins. A ubiquitous form of NonO is present in all adult tissues, whereas lymphocytes and retina express unique forms of NonO mRNA. The ubiquitous form contains a potential helix-turn-helix motif followed by a highly charged region but differs from prototypic octamer-binding factors by lacking the POU DNA-binding domain. In addition to its conventional octamer duplex-binding, NonO binds single-stranded DNA and RNA at a site independent of the duplex site.

Construction of recombinant DNA by exonuclease recession

We describe a new exonuclease-based method for joining and/or constructing two or more DNA molecules. DNA fragments containing ends complementary to those of a vector or another independent molecules were generated by the polymerase chain reaction. The 3' ends of these molecules as well as the vector DNA were then recessed by exonuclease activity and annealed in an orientation-determined manner via their complementary single-stranded regions. This recombinant DNA can be transformed directly into bacteria without a further ligase-dependent reaction. Using this approach, we have constructed recombinant DNA molecules rapidly, efficiently and directionally. This method can effectively replace conventional protocols for PCR cloning, PCR SOEing, DNA subcloning and site-directed mutagenesis.

Immunoglobulin heavy chain enhancer is located near or in an initiation zone of chromosomal DNA replication

In several animal viruses, enhancers have been implicated in both DNA replication and transcriptional activation. The linkage of the two mechanisms appears intimate, in that common DNA binding factors can be shared. The immunoglobulin heavy chain (Igh) intronic [heavy chain joining region (JH)-mu chain constant region (C mu)] enhancer (E mu) is required for tissue-specific transcription of Igh genes and is essential for somatic recombination of diversity (D) and J segments. We show here that E mu is located at or near an origin of chromosomal DNA replication, which is more active in B lymphocytes than fibroblasts. E mu does not fulfill two criteria demonstrated for some cellular origins. E mu can initiate but not maintain autonomous replicating activity in B cells. E mu is unable to impart early replication timing to a transfected VDJ-C mu Igh locus in B cells. Instead we propose that E mu-associated ori activity contributes to tissue-specific Igh expression through local effects on chromatin structure leading to subsequent accessibility of transcription and/or recombination factors for the enhancer.

Transcriptional analysis of inhibition of lipopolysaccharide response by anti-IgM

Murine splenic B cells, when stimulated with LPS, show a generalized enhancement of gene transcription. In addition to this general increase, there is a specific increase in microseconds mRNA production and differentiation to high rate IgM secretion. Anti-mu added concomitantly with LPS at the start of culture has been demonstrated to inhibit the LPS-induced increase in microseconds mRNA production without affecting the proliferative capacity of the cells. By "run-on" analysis of nascent transcription, we have shown that the effect of anti-mu is mediated by the abrogation of the up-regulation of transcription of the mu-gene induced by LPS. Furthermore, by assessing the site of transcription termination, it is possible to infer that alterations in 3'-end processing induced by LPS are also inhibited. We have also found that CAT3 gene activity driven by a number of promoter/enhancers with diverse regulatory motifs are inhibited by anti-mu. These results suggest that the effect of anti-mu cannot be restricted to interactions with a single regulatory element. Therefore, cross-linking of surface IgM may affect a number of genes involved in differentiation to Ig secretion.

Transcriptional analysis of inhibition of lipopolysaccharide response by anti-IgM

Murine splenic B cells, when stimulated with LPS, show a generalized enhancement of gene transcription. In addition to this general increase, there is a specific increase in microseconds mRNA production and differentiation to high rate IgM secretion. Anti-mu added concomitantly with LPS at the start of culture has been demonstrated to inhibit the LPS-induced increase in microseconds mRNA production without affecting the proliferative capacity of the cells. By "run-on" analysis of nascent transcription, we have shown that the effect of anti-mu is mediated by the abrogation of the up-regulation of transcription of the mu-gene induced by LPS. Furthermore, by assessing the site of transcription termination, it is possible to infer that alterations in 3'-end processing induced by LPS are also inhibited. We have also found that CAT3 gene activity driven by a number of promoter/enhancers with diverse regulatory motifs are inhibited by anti-mu. These results suggest that the effect of anti-mu cannot be restricted to interactions with a single regulatory element. Therefore, cross-linking of surface IgM may affect a number of genes involved in differentiation to Ig secretion.

Human immunoglobulin heavy-chain minilocus recombination in transgenic mice: gene-segment use in mu and gamma transcripts

We (N.L. and L.D.T.) have introduced a human heavy-chain minilocus into mice transgenically. Constructs contain 2 heavy-chain variable (VH; psi VH3-105 and VH5-251), 10 diversity (D), 6 heavy-chain joining (JH), and either constant (C)mu or C mu and C gamma gene segments. Several founder lines were established and studied before immunization. Seventy heavy-chain transcripts were cloned and sequenced from murine splenic B lymphocytes, and gene-segment use was assessed before and after class-switching. In general, the repertoire was "fetal" in appearance with little evidence of somatic mutation in any gene segment. The two VH gene segments were found rearranged to mu- and gamma-chain C segments, with a preference of VH5-251. We observed a preponderance of the most-J-proximal D gene (DHQ52) segments among the mu transcripts (44%). The JH gene-segment use mimics most patterns seen in human antibodies. Diversification in CDR3 was extensive and included clear examples of D inversions and D-D fusions. These data suggest that a human immunoglobulin minilocus can undergo recombinatorial processes in a manner analogous to that seen in the human fetal/preimmune repertoire. This model, in addition to providing a potential source of human monoclonal antibodies, is ideal for the study of further questions concerning immunoglobulin gene-segment recombination.

Regulatory elements necessary for termination of transcription within the Ig heavy chain gene locus

Previous experiments have shown that the extent of delta gene transcription during B cell development is regulated primarily at the transcriptional level. We have shown that deletion of a sequence located between the mu and delta coding regions in the Ig heavy chain locus where transcriptional termination has been previously mapped abrogates the termination. Restoration of termination requires reintroduction of this segment as well as sequence elements within the microM poly (A) site which cannot be substituted by the microS poly (A) site. Recognition of the termination site by non-lymphoid cells suggests that initiation of delta transcription in mature B lymphocytes requires the activation of an anti-termination mechanism not yet developed in early B cells.

Multiple B29 containing complexes on murine B lymphocytes. Common and stage-restricted Ig-associated polypeptide chains

The B29 gene is specifically expressed in all cells of the B lymphocyte lineage, and the B29 protein is disulfide-linked to the protein product of at least one other gene, known as mb-1. The noncovalent association of these heterodimers with Ig H chains is thought to be required for surface expression and signal transmission by B cell Ag receptors. We now demonstrate by two-color immunofluorescence a direct correlation between B29 density and surface Ig expression on normal spleen and bone marrow cells. The proportion of B29 in Ag receptor complexes appears to be relatively constant across major B lymphocyte subpopulations. Multiple B29-containing heterodimers were resolved on normal spleen cells by surface labeling, immunoprecipitation, two-dimensional gel analysis, and immunoblotting. As with lymphoma cells in our earlier study, the conditions of detergent extraction were critical to detection of certain species. Many laboratories have observed a family of 69- to 85-kDa heterodimers that are extracted with digitonin. These species are clearly Ig-associated, and are coprecipitated with anti-Ig antibodies. We found that extraction with Triton X-100 revealed an additional pair of 52- to 58-kDa heterodimers, where B29 was disulfide-bonded to a protein of approximately 23 kDa. The latter was detectable by immunoblotting with antibodies to extracellular, but not cytoplasmic, portions of mb-1. We found that, with mature cells, both conventional and low molecular mass heterodimers were solubilized with digitonin, but only detectable if Triton was present during immunoprecipitation. Thus, a protein having partial serologic identity with mb-1 forms heterodimers that are cryptic on splenic B cells, and possibly not directly associated with surface Ig molecules. In contrast, both types of heterodimers were readily detectable on late stage pre-B cells, regardless of detergent used for extraction or antibody used for immunoprecipitation. In that situation, both low- and high molecular mass heterodimers were associated with surface Ig. These findings increase our understanding of the B lymphocyte Ag receptor complex and indicate that its components may change as a function of differentiation.

Multiple B29 containing complexes on murine B lymphocytes. Common and stage-restricted Ig-associated polypeptide chains

The B29 gene is specifically expressed in all cells of the B lymphocyte lineage, and the B29 protein is disulfide-linked to the protein product of at least one other gene, known as mb-1. The noncovalent association of these heterodimers with Ig H chains is thought to be required for surface expression and signal transmission by B cell Ag receptors. We now demonstrate by two-color immunofluorescence a direct correlation between B29 density and surface Ig expression on normal spleen and bone marrow cells. The proportion of B29 in Ag receptor complexes appears to be relatively constant across major B lymphocyte subpopulations. Multiple B29-containing heterodimers were resolved on normal spleen cells by surface labeling, immunoprecipitation, two-dimensional gel analysis, and immunoblotting. As with lymphoma cells in our earlier study, the conditions of detergent extraction were critical to detection of certain species. Many laboratories have observed a family of 69- to 85-kDa heterodimers that are extracted with digitonin. These species are clearly Ig-associated, and are coprecipitated with anti-Ig antibodies. We found that extraction with Triton X-100 revealed an additional pair of 52- to 58-kDa heterodimers, where B29 was disulfide-bonded to a protein of approximately 23 kDa. The latter was detectable by immunoblotting with antibodies to extracellular, but not cytoplasmic, portions of mb-1. We found that, with mature cells, both conventional and low molecular mass heterodimers were solubilized with digitonin, but only detectable if Triton was present during immunoprecipitation. Thus, a protein having partial serologic identity with mb-1 forms heterodimers that are cryptic on splenic B cells, and possibly not directly associated with surface Ig molecules. In contrast, both types of heterodimers were readily detectable on late stage pre-B cells, regardless of detergent used for extraction or antibody used for immunoprecipitation. In that situation, both low- and high molecular mass heterodimers were associated with surface Ig. These findings increase our understanding of the B lymphocyte Ag receptor complex and indicate that its components may change as a function of differentiation.

Exoquence DNA sequencing

We have developed a strategy for DNA sequencing based on exonuclease III digestion followed by double strand specific endonuclease digestion and direct dideoxynucleotide sequencing reaction. This strategy eliminates the need for subcloning, oligonucleotide primers, and prior knowledge of the DNA to be sequenced. All template and primer duplexes needed for sequencing a complete insert can be prepared in one day from uncharacterized starting DNA. Sequence information can be obtained from different regions of the DNA simultaneously. The method uses double-stranded DNA to generate single-stranded template and primer, and thus produces high quality sequence results. Commercially available dideoxy-sequencing kits are well suited for this method. The strategy should be applicable for both automatic and routine laboratory DNA sequencing.

Metal-binding chimeric antibodies expressed in Escherichia coli

Metallothionein, a well-characterized biological chelator of metals, has been genetically fused to the binding domain of an antibody and expressed in the periplasm of Escherichia coli. Specific delivery of 109Cd to immobilized hapten or to haptenated cells was demonstrated directly in periplasmic extracts. This approach is potentially useful for targeted radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging. We find six to seven atoms of metal per active antigen-combining site. Absence of the Fc portion of the immunoglobulin along with low immunogenicity of metallothionein-metal complexes should reduce immunologic reactions.