Somatic hypermutation: how many mechanisms diversify V region sequences?

Article Abstract:

Somatic hypermutation may be caused by several mechanisms that diversify variable (V) region sequences. Somatic hypermutation may occur before antigen challenge, which increases an organisms preimmune compliment. It occurs in cells from germinal centers of lymphic tissue. The process seems to be a form of gene conversion or templating. Somatic hypermutation as a response to antigen challenge increases antibody affinity for a specific antigen. This occurs in the V-regions of B-cells and T-cells located in germinal centers in lymph nodes or the spleen. Mutations occur in discrete areas of the V region called complementarity determining regions, where antibody binding selection is carried out.

Physiological aspects, Mutation (Biology), Mutation

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Mutation and cancer: the antecedents to our studies of adaptive mutation

Article Abstract:

Studies on adaptive mutation were triggered by early research on the role of somatic mutation in the pathogenesis of cancer. Early microscopists theorized that chromosomes carried genetic traits after noting the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in cancer cells. This somatic mutation theory was further boosted with the finding that almost half of all human cancers contain mutations in p53 protein and that this protein plays a critical role in linking the cell cycle to the state of the genome.

Gene mutations, Gene mutation, Cancer, Cancer genetics, Mutagenesis

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Germ line variable regions that match hypermuted sequences in genes encoding murine anti-hapten antibodies

Article Abstract:

A study was conducted to determine whether germ line immunoglobulin variable (V) segments match hypermutation site in similar regions with murine antibodies. Murine germ line DNA was investigated by studying a group of short deoxyoligonucleotides. Germ line sequences that matched mutations were observed and selected. Results show that template-dependent mutational processes may generate somatic hypermutation.

Antibodies

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