Abstract
The Ig heavy chain variable region (V(H)) genes encode the antigen-binding regions of antibodies. The rabbit genome contains more than 100 V(H) genes, but only one (V(H)1) is preferentially used in the VDJ gene rearrangement. Three highly divergent alleles occur at this V(H)1 locus in most rabbit populations. These three V(H) alleles are also present in snowshoe hare populations, indicating that the polymorphism of the V(H)1 alleles is trans-specific. Here we report the results of a phylogenetic analysis of rabbit Ig germ-line V(H) genes (alleles) together with V(H) genes from humans and mice. We have found that all rabbit V(H) genes belong to one mammalian V(H) group (group C), which also includes various human and mouse V(H) genes. Using the rate of nucleotide substitution obtained from human and mouse V(H) sequences, we have estimated that the V(H)1 polymorphism in the rabbit lineage has been maintained for about 50 million years. This extremely long persistence of V(H)1 polymorphism is apparently caused by overdominant selection, though the real mechanism is unclear.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
