How DNA guides normal and accidental reshuffling of immune genes
DNA sequence selectivity in conventional and aberrant V(D)J recombination
This work looks at how DNA sequences cause immune-system genes to rearrange correctly or sometimes make harmful mistakes in B and T cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140341 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use high-throughput lab tests that read many DNA signal sequences to see which ones are cut by the enzymes (RAG1/RAG2) that rearrange antigen-receptor genes. They will compare patterns of on-target cuts at normal recombination signal sequences (RSSs) with off-target cuts at RSS-like sites across the genome. The team will also consider how local DNA packaging (chromatin) affects where cuts happen. Results are generated from DNA libraries and cellular lab models to map where errors that can lead to chromosomal rearrangements occur.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with B- or T-cell blood cancers or immune disorders, or individuals willing to donate blood or tissue samples for laboratory research.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment for their condition are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help explain how harmful DNA cuts that lead to some blood cancers happen and point to ways to detect or prevent those errors.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown RAG enzymes can cut off-target and cause oncogenic rearrangements, but applying large-scale, high-throughput mapping to fully define sequence selectivity is a more recent approach.
Where this research is happening
Oklahoma City, United States
- University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr — Oklahoma City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodgers, Karla K — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rodgers, Karla K
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.