This proposal addresses the origins of the vertebrate adaptive immune system, specifically by revealing the regulatory mechanisms of a recently discovered class of immunological genes. How is the lamprey variable lymphocyte receptor gene regulated? Also, is it regulated by the transcription factors homologous to those which direct mammalian lymphocyte gene expression? A combination of bioinformatic and molecular approaches will be used to define the cis- and trans- regulatory elements of the variable lymphocyte receptor in the agnathans. Comparative sequence analyses and cis-regulatory module predictions will be performed, and if inadequate, new methods will be developed. EMSAs will test for the binding of transcription factors to regulatory motifs. Transactivation analyses will determine if specific transcription factor- cis-regulatory module combinations can regulate transcription. These experiments should answer the questions above and elucidate the origins of the adaptive immune system. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32AI068366-01
Application #
7056462
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F07 (20))
Program Officer
Prograis, Lawrence J
Project Start
2006-01-01
Project End
2008-12-31
Budget Start
2006-01-01
Budget End
2006-12-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$48,796
Indirect Cost
Name
California Institute of Technology
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
009584210
City
Pasadena
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
91125
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Tydell, C Chace; David-Fung, Elizabeth-Sharon; Moore, Jonathan E et al. (2007) Molecular dissection of prethymic progenitor entry into the T lymphocyte developmental pathway. J Immunol 179:421-38