Molecular genetics of the T cell receptor alpha chain

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used in combination with oligonucleotide probe and nucleotide sequence analysis to examine T cell receptor (TCR) alpha chain diversity in fetal and adult thymi. Transcripts were amplified using various Vα and Cα specific primers and the cloned PCR products were hybridized with Jα specific oligonucleotide probes in order to determine J gene segment use. It was found that the use of Jα gene segments was not random but varied among the V genes analyzed. The preferential expression of particular VαJα combinations was related to the chromosomal location of both the V and J gene segment and to the stage of development. Nucleotide sequences of many of the transcripts were determined in order to evaluate the extent of base pair addition and deletion at the V-J junction. Whereas nucleotide additions occurred primarily in adult animals and were therefore developmentally regulated, nucleotide deletions were evident throughout development.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biochemistry

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Roth, Matthew E.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kranz, David M.

• Health Sciences, Immunology

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1991 Roth, Matthew E.

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

AAI9210970
(UMI)AAI9210970

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/19678