A complex major histocompatibility complex D locus variant generated by an unusual recombination mechanism in mice

Theodore J. Yun, Roger W. Melvold, Larry R. Pease

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13 Scopus citations

Abstract

A spontaneous variant of the mouse class I major histocompatibility complex Db gene, designated Dbm28, is characterized. This mutation consists of a cluster of nucleotide substitutions in exon 3 that resembles the product of a classical gene conversion event in that the substituted nucleotides appear to be templated. However, Dbm28 is distinctive, because no single donor gene containing the nucleotide sequence of the mutation exists in the genome of the parent strain. The mutation is consistent with the expected result of an interaction of two donor genes at the target locus during a single recombination event. While no known genetic mechanism gives rise to this class of mutation, we have established that 10 percent of spontaneous class I mutations in the mouse major histocompatibility complex have this complex phenotype. This process occurs at the D locus and the K locus. The significance of this kind of genetic interaction may extend beyond the major histocompatibility complex and have importance in shaping other multigene families.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1384-1389
Number of pages6
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume94
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 18 1997

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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