Featured Publications
Insights into RAG Evolution from the Identification of “Missing Link” Family A RAGL Transposons
Martin E, Le Targa L, Tsakou-Ngouafo L, Fan T, Lin C, Xiao J, Huang Z, Yuan S, Xu A, Su Y, Petrescu A, Pontarotti P, Schatz D. Insights into RAG Evolution from the Identification of “Missing Link” Family A RAGL Transposons. Molecular Biology And Evolution 2023, 40: msad232. PMID: 37850912, PMCID: PMC10629977, DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad232.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsJawed vertebratesTransposon familyRAG1-RAG2 recombinaseRecombination signal sequencesHemichordate Ptychodera flavaMolecular domesticationSignal sequenceP. flavaDNA bindingPtychodera flavaSequence featuresTransposition activityVertebratesTransposonCritical enzymeHinge regionGenomeDomesticationFlavaProteinPivotal stepAdaptive immunityCritical intermediateRAGRAGL
2024
The Role of RAG in V(D)J Recombination
Xiao J, Martin E, Wang K, Schatz D. The Role of RAG in V(D)J Recombination. 2024 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-128-24465-4.00019-3.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchRecombination signal sequencesRecombination activating geneV(D)J recombinationDNA cleavageConserved sequence elementsNonhomologous end-joining pathwayLymphoid-specific proteinsAntigen receptor gene segmentsEnd-joining pathwayPair of hairpinsReceptor gene segmentsTransposable elementsDomain architectureSequence elementsLocus structureSignal sequenceTransposition mechanismTranscriptional regulationJawed vertebratesTransposase activityActive genesPosttranslational modificationsEnhancer elementsProtein structureCell cycle
2020
Sequence-dependent dynamics of synthetic and endogenous RSSs in V(D)J recombination
Hirokawa S, Chure G, Belliveau NM, Lovely GA, Anaya M, Schatz DG, Baltimore D, Phillips R. Sequence-dependent dynamics of synthetic and endogenous RSSs in V(D)J recombination. Nucleic Acids Research 2020, 48: gkaa418-. PMID: 32449932, PMCID: PMC7337519, DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa418.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2019
Intra-Vκ Cluster Recombination Shapes the Ig Kappa Locus Repertoire
Shinoda K, Maman Y, Canela A, Schatz DG, Livak F, Nussenzweig A. Intra-Vκ Cluster Recombination Shapes the Ig Kappa Locus Repertoire. Cell Reports 2019, 29: 4471-4481.e6. PMID: 31875554, PMCID: PMC8214342, DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.11.088.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDNA double-strand breaksRecombination signal sequencesVκ gene segmentsGene segmentsDouble-strand breaksVariable gene segmentsRAG proteinsSignal sequenceV-J rearrangementRecombination eventsSpacer regionVκ-JκRecombinationLevels of breakageComplete absenceProteinLarge fractionDeletionJκSequence
2018
DNA melting initiates the RAG catalytic pathway
Ru H, Mi W, Zhang P, Alt FW, Schatz DG, Liao M, Wu H. DNA melting initiates the RAG catalytic pathway. Nature Structural & Molecular Biology 2018, 25: 732-742. PMID: 30061602, PMCID: PMC6080600, DOI: 10.1038/s41594-018-0098-5.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRecombination signal sequencesDNA meltingCryo-EM structureBase-specific contactsSignal sequenceDNA transpositionSubstrate bindingRetroviral integrationRAG endonucleaseDimer openingTerminal sequenceGTG sequenceDNA cleavageScissile phosphateDNAUniversal mechanismPiston-like movementSequenceActive siteHeptamerRetrotransposonsCatalytic pathwayTransposonComplexesEndonuclease
2016
Discovery of an Active RAG Transposon Illuminates the Origins of V(D)J Recombination
Huang S, Tao X, Yuan S, Zhang Y, Li P, Beilinson HA, Zhang Y, Yu W, Pontarotti P, Escriva H, Le Petillon Y, Liu X, Chen S, Schatz DG, Xu A. Discovery of an Active RAG Transposon Illuminates the Origins of V(D)J Recombination. Cell 2016, 166: 102-114. PMID: 27293192, PMCID: PMC5017859, DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2016.05.032.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRAG transposonAntigen receptor gene assemblyBasal extant chordateDNA transposon familiesVertebrate adaptive immunityRecombination signal sequencesExtant chordatesTarget site duplicationsTransposable elementsDNA recombinationSignal sequenceTransposon excisionGene assemblyProtoRAGTransposon familySite duplicationsCrucial eventTransposonRecombinationAdaptive immunityChordatesTIRLanceletsRAG1/2GermlineThe Role of RAG in V(D)J Recombination
Carmona L, Schatz D. The Role of RAG in V(D)J Recombination. 2016, 99-106. DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-374279-7.05012-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchRecombination signal sequencesTransposable elementsCell cycle-dependent mannerAntigen receptor gene segmentsLymphoid-specific proteinsDNA cleavageCycle-dependent mannerReceptor gene segmentsRAG cleavageRAG proteinsTranslational regulationPosttranslational modificationsSignal sequenceNonhomologous endRAG activitySequence elementsEnhancer elementsTransposition mechanismCell cycleLymphocyte developmentGene segmentsPair of hairpinsBlunt endsRecombinationRAG2
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 geneCleavageRAGAssaysRAG1/2Complexes
2014
The architecture of the 12RSS in V(D)J recombination signal and synaptic complexes
Ciubotaru M, Surleac MD, Metskas LA, Koo P, Rhoades E, Petrescu AJ, Schatz DG. The architecture of the 12RSS in V(D)J recombination signal and synaptic complexes. Nucleic Acids Research 2014, 43: 917-931. PMID: 25550426, PMCID: PMC4333397, DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku1348.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2013
Cooperative recruitment of HMGB1 during V(D)J recombination through interactions with RAG1 and DNA
Little AJ, Corbett E, Ortega F, Schatz DG. Cooperative recruitment of HMGB1 during V(D)J recombination through interactions with RAG1 and DNA. Nucleic Acids Research 2013, 41: 3289-3301. PMID: 23325855, PMCID: PMC3597659, DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks1461.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRecombination signal sequencesFluorescence anisotropy experimentsRAG-RSS complexesHigh mobility group box proteinAbsence of DNAGroup box proteinArchitectural proteinsPulldown experimentsRAG2 bindBox proteinSignal sequenceCooperative recruitmentComplex assemblyRecombinase complexStable integrationSequence specificitySynergistic binding effectAnisotropy experimentsAddition of DNAOrder of eventsRAG1DNAHMGB1 proteinProteinConcentration-dependent manner
2011
Recombination 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
2010
The In Vivo Pattern of Binding of RAG1 and RAG2 to Antigen Receptor Loci
Ji Y, Resch W, Corbett E, Yamane A, Casellas R, Schatz DG. The In Vivo Pattern of Binding of RAG1 and RAG2 to Antigen Receptor Loci. Cell 2010, 141: 419-431. PMID: 20398922, PMCID: PMC2879619, DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2010.03.010.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsJ gene segmentsRAG proteinsGene segmentsSignal sequenceLineage-specific mannerAntigen receptor lociRecombination signal sequencesLysine 4Active chromatinRAG2 bindThousands of sitesHistone 3Receptor locusDevelopmental stagesD gene segmentsDiscrete sitesCritical initial stepVivo patternRAG1BindingRAG2Beta JProteinRecombinationSpecific binding
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
2007
The Beyond 12/23 Restriction Is Imposed at the Nicking and Pairing Steps of DNA Cleavage during V(D)J Recombination
Drejer-Teel AH, Fugmann SD, Schatz DG. The Beyond 12/23 Restriction Is Imposed at the Nicking and Pairing Steps of DNA Cleavage during V(D)J Recombination. Molecular And Cellular Biology 2007, 27: 6288-6299. PMID: 17636023, PMCID: PMC2099602, DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00835-07.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRecombination signal sequencesDNA cleavageGene segmentsDNA cleavage stepRecombination-activating gene 1Dbeta gene segmentVariable region exonsJbeta gene segmentsRAG proteinsDNA elementsSignal sequenceDirect VbetaRegion exonsGene 1Oligonucleotide substratesLocus sequenceDistinct combinationsProteinRecombinationCleavageNickingCleavage stepSequenceDifferent stepsExons
2004
Synapsis of Recombination Signal Sequences Located in cis and DNA Underwinding in V(D)J Recombination
Ciubotaru M, Schatz DG. Synapsis of Recombination Signal Sequences Located in cis and DNA Underwinding in V(D)J Recombination. Molecular And Cellular Biology 2004, 24: 8727-8744. PMID: 15367690, PMCID: PMC516766, DOI: 10.1128/mcb.24.19.8727-8744.2004.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRecombination signal sequencesDNA substratesSignal sequenceDNA distortionHigh mobility group proteinsProtein conformational changesSame DNA moleculeDouble-strand DNA cleavageRAG proteinsRAG2 proteinsDNA underwindingGroup proteinsSite of cleavagePreferred substrateConformational changesDNA moleculesDNA cleavageProteinRelaxed substrateUnderwindingRecombinationCleavageSequenceSuch substratesHMG1
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
2000
Genetic Modulation of T Cell Receptor Gene Segment Usage during Somatic Recombination
Livak F, Burtrum D, Rowen L, Schatz D, Petrie H. Genetic Modulation of T Cell Receptor Gene Segment Usage during Somatic Recombination. Journal Of Experimental Medicine 2000, 192: 1191-1196. PMID: 11034609, PMCID: PMC2195867, DOI: 10.1084/jem.192.8.1191.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRecombination signal sequencesFlanking recombination signal sequencesGene segment usageUseful gene productsLymphocyte antigen receptorsSegment usageSignal sequenceSomatic cellsCombinatorial joiningGene productsSomatic recombinationRecombinase activityGenetic modulationGene segmentsBeta gene segment usageMature T lymphocytesD betaSynaptic complexGermline genesTotal repertoireNaive repertoireAntigen receptorRecombinationRepertoireBiased representation
1999
A dimer of the lymphoid protein RAG1 recognizes the recombination signal sequence and the complex stably incorporates the high mobility group protein HMG2
Rodgers K, Villey I, Ptaszek L, Corbett E, Schatz D, Coleman J. A dimer of the lymphoid protein RAG1 recognizes the recombination signal sequence and the complex stably incorporates the high mobility group protein HMG2. Nucleic Acids Research 1999, 27: 2938-2946. PMID: 10390537, PMCID: PMC148510, DOI: 10.1093/nar/27.14.2938.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRecombination signal sequencesSignal sequenceCore RAG1RAG1/RAG2 complexAbsence of RAG2Lymphoid-specific proteinsElectrophoretic mobility shift assaysSingle recombination signal sequencesMobility shift assaysRAG1 proteinProteins RAG1DNA sequencesMinimal speciesShift assaysOligomeric complexesHeptamer sequenceCompetition assaysRAG1Escherichia coliOligomeric formsRAG2Cleavage activityHMG2ProteinJ region