Abstract
Abstract Twenty five Vλ genes, seventeen being functional Vλ, corresponding to the three Vλ gene families were identified upon complete characterization and physical mapping of bovine λ-light chain locus on chromosome 17. The bovine λ-light chain locus spans 412 kbp where the Vλgenes are located 23.7 kbp 5’ of four Jλ-Cλ units. The Vλgenes are organized in three subclusters separated by two large introns (126.8 and 138.3 kbp). The predominantly expressed Vλ1 genes are present in the two 5’ sub-clusters, while most Jλ-proximal Vλ sub-cluster comprises rarely expressed Vλ2 and Vλ3 genes. The Jλ3-Cλ3 unit was found predominantly expressed, though Jλ2 and Jλ3 have identical recombination signal sequences (RSS). The Cλ1 and Cλ4 are pseudogenes and their Jλ-Cλ units are not expressed. Endogenous counter selection for Jλ2 encoded CDR3 and framework 4 regions are likely the cause for the predominant expression of Jλ3-Cλ3 genes over Jλ2-Cλ2. The preferential expression of Vλ1 genes in the bovine Immunoglobulin repertoire seems to be influenced by the composition of RSSs. Polymorphism at the λ-light chain locus is responsible for differences in the genomic complexity between Hereford and Holstein cattle. Despite more potential germline encoded combinatorial diversity, the λ-light chain repertoire in cattle is predominantly encoded by Vλ1- Jλ3-Cλ3 recombinations. (Supported by NSERC Canada)
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