On the genomics of immunoglobulins in the gray, short-tailed opossum Monodelphis domestica

Immunogenetics. 2009 Aug;61(8):581-96. doi: 10.1007/s00251-009-0385-8. Epub 2009 Jul 17.

Abstract

Annotated maps of the IGH, IGK, and IGL loci in the gray, short-tailed opossum Monodelphis domestica were generated from analyses of the available whole genome sequence for this species. Analyses of their content and organization confirmed a number of previous conclusions based on characterization of complementary DNAs encoding opossum immunoglobulin heavy and light chains and limited genomic analysis, including (a) the predominance of a single immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) subgroup and clan, (b) the presence of a single immunoglobulin (Ig)G subclass, (c) the apparent absence of an IgD, and (d) the general organization and V gene complexity of the IGK and IGL light chain loci. In addition, several unexpected discoveries were made including the presence of a partial V to D, germline-joined IGHV segment, the first germline-joined Ig V gene to be found in a mammal. In addition was the presence of a larger number of IGKV subgroups than had been previously identified. With this report, annotated maps of the major histocompatibility complex, T-cell receptor, and immunoglobulin loci have been completed for M. domestica, the only non-eutherian mammalian species for which this has been accomplished, strengthening the utility of this species as a model organism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • Exons
  • Genes, Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain
  • Genes, Immunoglobulin Light Chain
  • Genes, Immunoglobulin*
  • Genomics
  • Immunogenetic Phenomena
  • Immunoglobulins / genetics*
  • Introns
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Monodelphis / genetics*
  • Monodelphis / immunology*
  • Phylogeny
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Immunoglobulins