How immune cells build diverse antibody and T-cell receptor genes
Mechanism and Regulation of V(D)J Recombination
Researchers are mapping how RAG proteins assemble antibody and T‑cell receptor genes to better understand how our immune system makes diverse defenses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137051 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, this work is focused on how immune cells rewire their DNA to create the wide variety of antibodies and T‑cell receptors that fight infections. The team will use biochemical tests, advanced imaging, genetic tools, and high-resolution structural methods to examine where and how the RAG proteins act in the cell nucleus. They aim to define the little hubs (recombination centers), the key parts of the RAG1 protein that control activity, and the full RAG complex bound to DNA. These lab experiments are done step-by-step to fill major gaps in basic understanding that could guide future clinical work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll patients directly; it is laboratory-focused work using cells and molecular approaches performed at Yale.
Not a fit: People looking for immediate treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could clarify causes of some immune deficiencies and blood cancers and point toward new diagnostics or treatments in the future.
How similar studies have performed: Related molecular and genetic studies have advanced parts of RAG biology, but solving the full structure and nuclear organization of the RAG machinery is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schatz, David G. — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Schatz, David G.
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.