Featured Publications
Structural basis for the activation and suppression of transposition during evolution of the RAG recombinase
Zhang Y, Corbett E, Wu S, Schatz DG. Structural basis for the activation and suppression of transposition during evolution of the RAG recombinase. The EMBO Journal 2020, 39: embj2020105857. PMID: 32945578, PMCID: PMC7604617, DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020105857.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsTarget site DNASite DNARAG1/RAG2 recombinaseSuppression of transpositionCryo-electron microscopyStrand transfer complexAntigen receptor genesDomesticated transposaseTarget DNARAG recombinaseEvolutionary adaptationPaste transpositionStructural basisTransposition activityMechanistic principlesFunctional assaysTransposon endDNAReceptor geneBase unstackingDomesticationTransposaseRecombinaseAdaptive immunityFinal stepStructural insights into the evolution of the RAG recombinase
Liu C, Zhang Y, Liu CC, Schatz DG. Structural insights into the evolution of the RAG recombinase. Nature Reviews Immunology 2021, 22: 353-370. PMID: 34675378, DOI: 10.1038/s41577-021-00628-6.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRAG recombinaseComparative genome analysisGenomes of eukaryotesProtein-DNA complexesSingle amino acid mutationAntigen receptor genesMolecular domesticationRag familyAmino acid mutationsJawed vertebratesVertebrate immunityTransposable elementsEvolutionary adaptationGenome analysisStructural biologyDNA bindingStructural insightsGene 1Acid mutationsCleavage activityRecombinaseReceptor geneStructural evidenceRecombinationAdaptive immunity
2020
Nucleolar localization of RAG1 modulates V(D)J recombination activity
Brecht RM, Liu CC, Beilinson HA, Khitun A, Slavoff SA, Schatz DG. Nucleolar localization of RAG1 modulates V(D)J recombination activity. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences Of The United States Of America 2020, 117: 4300-4309. PMID: 32047031, PMCID: PMC7049140, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1920021117.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNucleolar localizationProximity-dependent biotin identificationRecombination activityDisruption of nucleoliDiscrete gene segmentsAntigen receptor lociPre-B cell linesNegative regulatory mechanismsN-terminal regionAmino acids 216Biotin identificationLocalization motifNucleolar associationProtein complexesNucleolar proteinsNucleolar sequestrationT-cell receptor genesRegulatory mechanismsNucleolar markerReceptor locusEfficient egressRAG1Amino acidsGene segmentsReceptor gene
2016
Collaboration of RAG2 with RAG1-like proteins during the evolution of V(D)J recombination
Carmona LM, Fugmann SD, Schatz DG. Collaboration of RAG2 with RAG1-like proteins during the evolution of V(D)J recombination. Genes & Development 2016, 30: 909-917. PMID: 27056670, PMCID: PMC4840297, DOI: 10.1101/gad.278432.116.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRecombination-activating gene 1Transib transposaseAbsence of RAG2RAG1/RAG2Antigen receptor genesJawed vertebratesRAG2 proteinsTransposable elementsRAG1 proteinRegulatory featuresDNA substratesGene 1RAG2Receptor geneRecombination activityProteinRecombinationTransposaseAdaptive immunityVertebratesTransposonGenesEvolutionLow levelsOrigin
2015
Chromosomal Loop Domains Direct the Recombination of Antigen Receptor Genes
Hu J, Zhang Y, Zhao L, Frock RL, Du Z, Meyers RM, Meng FL, Schatz DG, Alt FW. Chromosomal Loop Domains Direct the Recombination of Antigen Receptor Genes. Cell 2015, 163: 947-959. PMID: 26593423, PMCID: PMC4660266, DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.10.016.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsCCCTC-Binding FactorChromosomes, MammalianDNA-Binding ProteinsGenes, mycGenomeHigh-Throughput Nucleotide SequencingHomeodomain ProteinsHumansImmunoglobulin Heavy ChainsLymphomaMiceNucleotide MotifsRegulatory Sequences, Nucleic AcidRepressor ProteinsSequence Analysis, DNATranslocation, GeneticV(D)J RecombinationConceptsRecombination signal sequencesRSS pairAntigen receptor genesSignal sequenceRAG activityDNA breaksChromosomal loopsLoop domainBiological processesConvergent CTCFChromosomal translocationsCleavage siteReceptor geneTarget activitySuch breaksMarked orientation dependenceRecombinationRAGCTCFChromatinMegabasesOff-target distributionGenesBreaksDomainSingle-molecule analysis of RAG-mediated V(D)J DNA cleavage
Lovely GA, Brewster RC, Schatz DG, Baltimore D, Phillips R. Single-molecule analysis of RAG-mediated V(D)J DNA cleavage. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences Of The United States Of America 2015, 112: e1715-e1723. PMID: 25831509, PMCID: PMC4394307, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1503477112.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRecombination signal sequencesSingle-molecule assaysSame DNA moleculeAntigen receptor genesConsensus recombination signal sequencesSingle-molecule analysisHigh mobility group box protein 1Individual molecular eventsSignal sequenceSingle-molecule levelGene productsDNA bindingMolecular eventsLymphocyte developmentDNA moleculesDNA cleavageProtein 1Synapse formationSynaptic complexReceptor geneCleavageRAGAssaysRAG1/2ComplexesSpatio-temporal regulation of RAG2 following genotoxic stress
Rodgers W, Byrum JN, Sapkota H, Rahman NS, Cail RC, Zhao S, Schatz DG, Rodgers KK. Spatio-temporal regulation of RAG2 following genotoxic stress. DNA Repair 2015, 27: 19-27. PMID: 25625798, PMCID: PMC4336829, DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2014.12.008.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsActive Transport, Cell NucleusAtaxia Telangiectasia Mutated ProteinsCell NucleusCells, CulturedCentrosomeDNADNA Breaks, Double-StrandedDNA RepairDNA-Binding ProteinsGene Knockdown TechniquesHumansMicroscopy, FluorescenceMutationNuclear ProteinsPrecursor Cells, B-LymphoidRadiation, IonizingSubcellular FractionsVDJ RecombinasesConceptsDNA double-strand breaksGenotoxic stressorsCellular responsesFormation of DSBsLymphocyte antigen receptor genesDNA DSBsSpatio-temporal regulationInhibition of ATMDNA damaging agentsSubcellular fractionation approachDouble-strand breaksAntigen receptor genesNuclear Rag2Genotoxic stressRAG complexDNA repairIncorrect repairDamaging agentsStrand breaksNovel mechanismRAG2Receptor geneCentrosomesFractionation approachSubstantial enrichment
2014
The RAG Recombinase Dictates Functional Heterogeneity and Cellular Fitness in Natural Killer Cells
Karo JM, Schatz DG, Sun JC. The RAG Recombinase Dictates Functional Heterogeneity and Cellular Fitness in Natural Killer Cells. Cell 2014, 159: 94-107. PMID: 25259923, PMCID: PMC4371485, DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2014.08.026.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRecombination-activating geneDNA damage response mediatorsInnate lymphoid cellsNatural killer cellsAntigen receptor genesCellular fitnessJawed vertebratesRAG recombinaseCellular stressInnate lymphocytesNovel functionDNA breaksKiller cellsEndonuclease activityUnexpected roleCleavage eventsAdaptive immune cellsReceptor geneReduced expressionGenesFunctional heterogeneityCellsImmune cellsResponse mediatorsFitness
2011
V(D)J Recombination: Mechanisms of Initiation
Schatz DG, Swanson PC. V(D)J Recombination: Mechanisms of Initiation. Annual Review Of Genetics 2011, 45: 167-202. PMID: 21854230, DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-110410-132552.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsProtein-DNA complexesUbiquitin ligase activityHistone recognitionDomain organizationRAG proteinsRAG2 proteinsLigase activityT-cell receptor genesRecombination signalsDNA breaksHeptamer sequenceLymphocyte developmentDNA breakageDNA cleavageGene segmentsFunctional significanceProper repairReceptor geneRAG1ProteinRecombinationMechanism of initiationComplexesRecent advancesGenesRecombination centres and the orchestration of V(D)J recombination
Schatz DG, Ji Y. Recombination centres and the orchestration of V(D)J recombination. Nature Reviews Immunology 2011, 11: 251-263. PMID: 21394103, DOI: 10.1038/nri2941.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAntigen receptor genesRecombination signal sequencesSignal sequenceHigher-order chromatin architectureHistone H3 lysine 4Receptor geneAntigen receptor gene segmentsInactive nuclear compartmentsPlant homeodomain (PHD) fingerH3 lysine 4Antigen receptor lociReceptor gene segmentsEctopic recruitmentChromatin architectureChromatin structureLysine 4Active chromatinGenome instabilityHistone modificationsRAG2 proteinsThousands of sitesNuclear compartmentRecombination eventsTranscriptional activityGenomic DNA
2009
Leaky severe combined immunodeficiency and aberrant DNA rearrangements due to a hypomorphic RAG1 mutation
Giblin W, Chatterji M, Westfield G, Masud T, Theisen B, Cheng HL, DeVido J, Alt FW, Ferguson DO, Schatz DG, Sekiguchi J. Leaky severe combined immunodeficiency and aberrant DNA rearrangements due to a hypomorphic RAG1 mutation. Blood 2009, 113: 2965-2975. PMID: 19126872, PMCID: PMC2662642, DOI: 10.1182/blood-2008-07-165167.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDouble-strand breaksHypomorphic RAG1 mutationsImmune system dysfunctionDNA rearrangementsKnockin mouse modelP53 mutant backgroundAberrant DNA rearrangementsDNA double-strand breaksPremature immunosenescenceDNA end processingSystem dysfunctionRecombination signal sequencesMouse modelRAG1 mutationsImmune systemMice exhibitAntigen receptor genesThymic lymphomasTumor developmentVivo evidenceMutant backgroundLymphocyte developmentSignal sequenceReceptor geneHypomorphic mutations
2004
Antigen receptor genes and the evolution of a recombinase
Schatz DG. Antigen receptor genes and the evolution of a recombinase. Seminars In Immunology 2004, 16: 245-256. PMID: 15522623, DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2004.08.004.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAntigen receptor genesReceptor geneDNA repair factorsSite-specific recombination reactionRAG transposonVertebrate genomesJawed vertebratesEvolutionary implicationsRAG2 proteinsTransposable elementsRepair factorsGenesAdaptive immune systemHorizontal transmissionRAG1VertebratesGenomeImmune systemTransposonGermlineRecombinaseRAG2ProteinRecombination reactionRecombinationMutational Analysis of Terminal Deoxynucleotidyltransferase- Mediated N-Nucleotide Addition in V(D)J Recombination
Repasky JA, Corbett E, Boboila C, Schatz DG. Mutational Analysis of Terminal Deoxynucleotidyltransferase- Mediated N-Nucleotide Addition in V(D)J Recombination. The Journal Of Immunology 2004, 172: 5478-5488. PMID: 15100289, DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.172.9.5478.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsAntibody DiversityCell LineCHO CellsCricetinaeDNA Mutational AnalysisDNA NucleotidylexotransferaseDNA-Binding ProteinsGene RearrangementHomeodomain ProteinsHumansImmunoglobulin Joining RegionImmunoglobulin Variable RegionIsoenzymesMiceNuclear ProteinsNucleotidesOpen Reading FramesPlasmidsRecombination, GeneticSignal TransductionSubstrate SpecificityTemplates, GeneticConceptsNucleotide additionEntire C-terminal regionAg receptor genesProtein-DNA interactionsC-terminal domainStructure-function analysisC-terminal regionN-terminal portionIndividual structural motifsUnique DNA polymeraseBRCT domainHelix domainTdT proteinCatalytic regionDeletional analysisMutational analysisLong isoformNontemplated (N) nucleotidesNucleotide deletionDNA polymeraseDiverse repertoireReceptor geneStructural motifsNonlymphoid cellsCritical role
2003
A Functional Analysis of the Spacer of V(D)J Recombination Signal Sequences
Lee AI, Fugmann SD, Cowell LG, Ptaszek LM, Kelsoe G, Schatz DG. A Functional Analysis of the Spacer of V(D)J Recombination Signal Sequences. PLOS Biology 2003, 1: e1. PMID: 14551903, PMCID: PMC212687, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0000001.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRecombination signal sequencesSignal sequenceGene segmentsProtein-DNA interactionsLevel of recombinationDegree of conservationParticular functional importanceJ gene segmentsAntigen receptor genesSpacer variantsRAG proteinsRecombination machineryRSS activityInactive pseudogeneRSS functionSpacer sequencesFunctional analysisInteraction surfaceFunctional importanceLymphocyte developmentNumerous complex interactionsBiochemical assaysDistinct cooperationReceptor geneHeptamer
2002
RAG1-DNA Binding in V(D)J Recombination SPECIFICITY AND DNA-INDUCED CONFORMATIONAL CHANGES REVEALED BY FLUORESCENCE AND CD SPECTROSCOPY*
Ciubotaru M, Ptaszek LM, Baker GA, Baker SN, Bright FV, Schatz DG. RAG1-DNA Binding in V(D)J Recombination SPECIFICITY AND DNA-INDUCED CONFORMATIONAL CHANGES REVEALED BY FLUORESCENCE AND CD SPECTROSCOPY*. Journal Of Biological Chemistry 2002, 278: 5584-5596. PMID: 12488446, DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m209758200.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsBase SequenceBinding SitesCircular DichroismCloning, MolecularDNADNA NucleotidyltransferasesDNA-Binding ProteinsEscherichia coliGenes, RAG-1Homeodomain ProteinsKineticsMiceOligodeoxyribonucleotidesProtein ConformationRecombinant ProteinsRecombination, GeneticSubstrate SpecificityTransfectionTransposasesVDJ RecombinasesConceptsRecombination signal sequencesConformational changesSynaptic complex formationAbsence of DNAAssembly of immunoglobulinMajor conformational changesIntrinsic protein fluorophoresProtein intrinsic fluorescenceSolvent-exposed environmentRAG2 proteinsRAG1/2 complexSingle DNA moleculesRAG1 proteinSignal sequenceAcrylamide quenching studiesT-cell receptor genesStrep-tagRecombination specificityDNA moleculesProtein fluorophoresRAG1Receptor geneProteinIntrinsic fluorescenceCircular dichroism
1999
Transposition mediated by RAG1 and RAG2 and the evolution of the adaptive immune system
Schatz D. Transposition mediated by RAG1 and RAG2 and the evolution of the adaptive immune system. Immunologic Research 1999, 19: 169-182. PMID: 10493171, DOI: 10.1007/bf02786485.Peer-Reviewed Reviews, Practice Guidelines, Standards, and Consensus StatementsConceptsTransposable elementsAncestral receptor geneAdaptive immune systemReceptor gene segmentsReceptor geneAntigen receptor genesRAG proteinsRAG2 proteinsChromosomal DNAFunctional transposaseMillion yearsGene segmentsRAG1Dramatic supportImmune systemGenesRecent findingsUnusual structureProteinVertebratesTransposaseRAG2DNAEvolutionRecombinationDevelopmental neurobiology: Alternative ends for a familiar story?
Chun J, Schatz D. Developmental neurobiology: Alternative ends for a familiar story? Current Biology 1999, 9: r251-r253. PMID: 10209111, DOI: 10.1016/s0960-9822(99)80156-0.Commentaries, Editorials and Letters
1998
Transposition mediated by RAG1 and RAG2 and its implications for the evolution of the immune system
Agrawal A, Eastman Q, Schatz D. Transposition mediated by RAG1 and RAG2 and its implications for the evolution of the immune system. Nature 1998, 394: 744-751. PMID: 9723614, DOI: 10.1038/29457.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAmino Acid SequenceAnimalsAntibodiesBinding SitesB-LymphocytesCatalysisCell LineDNADNA Transposable ElementsDNA, CircularDNA-Binding ProteinsDrug Resistance, MicrobialEvolution, MolecularGene Rearrangement, B-LymphocyteGene Rearrangement, T-LymphocyteHigh Mobility Group ProteinsHomeodomain ProteinsImmune SystemMiceMolecular Sequence DataReceptors, Antigen, T-CellRecombination, GeneticRestriction MappingTransposasesVertebratesConceptsT-cell receptor genesRecombination signalsSequence-specific DNA recognitionAncestral receptor geneComponent gene segmentsSite-specific recombination reactionPiece of DNAEvolutionary divergenceJawless vertebratesRecombination-activating geneTransposable elementsDNA recognitionRetroviral integrationGermline insertionDNA moleculesGenesShort duplicationsDNA cleavageRAG1Gene segmentsTransposition reactionRAG2Receptor geneTarget DNA moleculesTarget DNA
1996
Neoteny in Lymphocytes: Rag1 and Rag2 Expression in Germinal Center B Cells
Han S, Zheng B, Schatz D, Spanopoulou E, Kelsoe G. Neoteny in Lymphocytes: Rag1 and Rag2 Expression in Germinal Center B Cells. Science 1996, 274: 2094-2097. PMID: 8953043, DOI: 10.1126/science.274.5295.2094.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsB-LymphocytesDNA NucleotidyltransferasesDNA-Binding ProteinsFemaleGene ExpressionGene RearrangementGenes, ImmunoglobulinGenes, RAG-1Germinal CenterHomeodomain ProteinsImmunizationImmunoglobulin Class SwitchingLymphocyte ActivationMiceMice, Inbred C57BLPolymerase Chain ReactionProtein BiosynthesisProteinsVDJ RecombinasesConceptsGerminal center B cellsAntigen receptor genesT cell antigen receptor genesRAG2 proteinsB cellsRAG2 geneRAG genesRAG2 expressionFunctional immunoglobulinPeyer's patch germinal centersMessenger RNAGenesRAG1Receptor geneActivated B cellsNormal adult animalsLymphocyte populationsImmature lymphocytesGerminal centersBone marrowMurine splenicAntibody repertoireCellsAdult animalsExpression