Abstract
The proteins encoded by the VpreB and lambda 5 genes associate with each other to form a light (L) chain-like structure, the surrogate L chain. It can form Ig-like complexes with three partners-the classical heavy (H) chain, the DHJHC mu-protein, or the newly discovered p55 chain; these are expressed on the surface of pre-B cells at different stages of development. Here, Fritz Melchers and colleagues review the structures of the VpreB and lambda 5 genes in mouse and their relatives in humans, describe their pattern of expression, and speculate on their possible evolution and functions.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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B-Lymphocytes / cytology*
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology
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Bone Marrow Cells
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Cell Differentiation
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Gene Expression
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Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Light Chain*
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Genes, Immunoglobulin*
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Humans
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Immunoglobulin Light Chains / genetics
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Immunoglobulin Light Chains / physiology*
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Immunoglobulin Light Chains, Surrogate
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Immunoglobulin mu-Chains / physiology*
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Membrane Glycoproteins / physiology*
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Mice
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Mice, Mutant Strains / genetics
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Mice, Mutant Strains / immunology
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Models, Molecular
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Protein Conformation
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Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / biosynthesis*
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Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / genetics
Substances
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Immunoglobulin Light Chains
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Immunoglobulin Light Chains, Surrogate
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Immunoglobulin mu-Chains
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell