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The joining of V and J gene segments creates antibody diversity

Abstract

The variable regions of mouse kappa (κ) chains are coded for by multiple variable (V) gene segments and multiple joining (J) gene segments. The Vκ gene segments code for residues 1 to 95; the Jκ gene segments code for residues 96 to 108 (refs 1–3). This gene organisation is similar to that encoding the Vλ regions4. Diversity in Vκ regions arises from several sources: (1) there are multiple germ-line Vκ gene segments and Jκ gene segments; (2) combinatorial joining of Vκ gene segments with different germ-line Jκ gene segments; and possibly, (3) somatic point mutation, as postulated for Vλ gene segments5. Also, from a comparison of the number of germ-line Jκ gene segments and amino acid sequences, it has been suggested that Jκ region sequences may be determined by the way Vκ and Jκ gene segments are joined2,3. This report supports this model by directly associating various Jκ sequences with given Jκ gene segments.

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Weigert, M., Perry, R., Kelley, D. et al. The joining of V and J gene segments creates antibody diversity. Nature 283, 497–499 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/283497a0

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