Abstract
The chicken heavy chain locus contains a single J H segment and a unique functional V H gene (V H1) 15 kb upstream, with approximately 15 D elements in between. A cluster of pseudogenes (ψV H) spans 60–80 kb, starting 7 kb upstream from V H1, with an average density of one pseudogene per 0.85 kb and an almost systematic alternation of polarity. Diversification of the unique rearranged V H1 gene takes place during bursal ontogeny by the same hyperconversion mechanism that was described for the chicken light chain, with ψV H segments acting as donors. The hyperconversion mechanism also operates within the D region, as all pseudogenes analyzed are fused VD elements; this D region possesses distinct characteristics, allowing higher combinatorial possibilities in the gene conversion process. Allelic exclusion appears to be performed by restriction of a complete VDJ rearrangement to a single allele.
Published Version
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