The protochordate, Botryllus schlosseri, undergoes a genetically defined, natural transplantation reaction the edges of two growing colonies interact. This allorecognition phenomena is analogous to that seen in hematopoietic resistance (Hh) in the higher vertebrates: it is principally controlled by a single locus with multiple co-dominantly expressed alleles (called the Fu/HC); and it is likely the recognition of self which prevents a rejection reaction. Protochordates are phylogenetic predecessors to all chordates, thus the Fu/HC-based allorecognition system may either be the ancestral MHC, or possibly a novel allorecognition system still undiscovered in the vertebrates. However, the Fu/HC locus has never been characterized at the molecular level. Using Fu/HC defined, inbred strains of Botryllus developed in our lab, we are taking a genomic approach to isolate and analyze this locus by making a genetic map, isolating tightly-linked flanking markers, and using these to positionally clone the Fu/HC locus. Candidate genes will be correlated with functional histocompability and the corresponding polypeptides will be characterized.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32AI010332-03
Application #
6372901
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IMB (01))
Program Officer
Prograis, Lawrence J
Project Start
1999-09-30
Project End
2002-03-31
Budget Start
2001-09-30
Budget End
2002-03-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$27,206
Indirect Cost
Name
Stanford University
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
800771545
City
Stanford
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94305