Introduction The human immune system consists of an immense amount of proteins, cells, and systems that all simultaneously work together to defend the body against any pathogens that come its way. One of these important proteins is the recombinase activating gene, Rag-1. Rag-1 plays a major part in lymphocyte production, and when this gene is knocked out, it can cause a major negative effect in the immune system. When Rag-1 is knocked out, the process in making T and B cell receptors is completely disabled. Because of this, all of the lymphocytes in a Rag-1 deficient organism are immature, and unable to participate in normal immune system functioning. Fortunately, there are no physical or neurological deformities in the organism because of …show more content…
The Rag-1 comes in different forms such as a dimer, tetramer, or octomer. The octomer is the most stable form in a not as strong ionic solution, but the most common form found in a biological environment is the dimer form. Each subunit of the Rag-1 protein contains many alpha helices also. The active site in Rag-1 is soluble, and it houses the most important and largest domains of the protein: the N-terminis domain, the C-terminis domain, and the core domain. A combination of these domains could perform all of the functions of the protein without the other residues. The N-terminis region and the core domain bind to RSS site at the nonomer region and the 12 or 23 spacer portion respectively. In binding to the RSS site, the core domain instigates a conformational change in the DNA which allows the complex to interact and cut the DNA appropriately. It is theorized that the Rag-1 gene along with its partner, Rag-2, were once a transposable element (Agrawal et al.). Scientists have found that the transposon containing these two genes was solidified into the genome once jaw containing vertebrates split from jawless vertebrates. From then on, the Rag genes have been in mammalian DNA, and have played a major part in their …show more content…
The Process of V(D)J Recombination a) The V, D, or J double-stranded DNA sequence is flanked by an RSS site. b) Rag-1 and Rag-2 bind simultaneously on the RSS joints. c) The Rag complex initiates a single stranded nick between the RSS and the coding region. d) Through an attack by the 3’ OH end, the DNA forms a hairpin leaving the RSS site with a double stranded break. e) With the help of accessory proteins, the newly cleaved coding region is joined to a separate coding region with added nucleotides in between, that were added by a DNA transferase. Note: Rag-1 and Rag-2 interact with both strands of DNA. A scientist would want to knockout the Rag-1 gene for viewing the effects at the molecular level as well as using these type of organisms for research on human diseases. A main reason to knockout the Rag-1 gene is to see how it will affect the entire V(D)J recombination process. By knocking the Rag-1 gene out, one will be able to see where the process is interrupted, if it is interrupted. Researchers will also be able to see if other receptors on lymphocytes, such as IL2, are affected. In V(D)J recombination, Rag-1 interacts closely with Rag-2 to instigate recombination (Godderz and Rodgers). If one were to knock out this gene, the results would show if the expression of the Rag-2 gene would be affected. Researchers could also see if both Rag proteins are crucial for recombination, or if just one is needed. Rag-1 transcripts are also found in the brain in mice (Mombaerts
Alu elements are a class of transposable genes found exclusively in the genomic sequences of primates. Averaging in lengths of approximately 300 base pairs, Alu elements are classified as being short interspersed elements, more commonly referred to by the acronym SINEs. These elements interject themselves into the DNA sequence by means of retroposition. Once established into the genome, Alu elements are considered to be stable, only rarely being subjected to deletion. Initial studies on the prevalence of Alu inserts within the modern human genome was calculated to be nearly 5% (Comas, Plaza, Calafell, Sajantila, & Bertranpetit, 2001), however, more recent research indicates that the actual percentage of various Alu elements account for nearly 11% of the DNA sequence (Deininger, 2011). Alu elements are of great importance to scientists, particularly to those who wish to study evolution, as well as, migrational patterns of early human populations.
This Radiolab podcast talks about how the HIV/AIDS epidemic started: the ultimate patient zero story, a very recent event that still hurts and still bleeds.
In order to do this a polymer of DNA “unzips” into its two strands, a coding strand (left strand) and a template strand (right strand). Nucleotides of a molecule known as mRNA (messenger RNA) then temporarily bonds to the template strand and join together in the same way as nucleotides of DNA. Messenger RNA has a similar structure to that of DNA only it is single stranded. Like DNA, mRNA is made up of nucleotides again consisting of a phosphate, a sugar, and an organic nitrogenous base. However, unlike in DNA, the sugar in a nucleotide of mRNA is different (Ribose) and the nitrogenous base Thymine is replaced by a new base found in RNA known as Uracil (U)3b and like Thymine can only bond to its complimentary base Adenine. As a result of how it bonds to the DNA’s template strand, the mRNA strand formed is almost identical to the coding strand of DNA apart from these
“Immune Response: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health. Web. 18 Dec. 2011. .
The two modes of analysis that will be used to identify an unknown insert piece of DNA would be plating the transformation cells onto LA plates that have either ampicillin or chloramphenicol and PCR. We will use the PCR thermocycler to denature the restriction enzymes that were specifically used to assimilate the vector DNA. It is important to use the PCR thermocycler because denaturation of the restriction enzyme will prevent the restriction enzyme from cutting the vector DNA, after the insert DNA has assimilated to the vector DNA. After the addition of specific primers that complement the base pair to its corresponding target strand, PCR will be used. Subsequently, Taq polymerase will be used to determine whether the insert DNA has been properly assimilated to the vector DNA. Within this specific situation, the target strand will be the insert DNA. After we let the PCR thermocycler run for approximately 2 ½ hours, we will then put our PCR products in the gel and run the gel to completion. After the gel has run to completion, we will then take a photograph of the gel using the UV transilluminator with the assistance of our TA. If the insert DNA was properly assimilated to the vector DNA, then our corresponding gel photo would have one band. After the cells have been transformed, we would g...
Gene therapy works by introducing new and functioning genetic material to damaged genes to help it function and to produce beneficial proteins. If a gene is inserted directly into a cell, it usually will not function. So to complete this task, a vector, a modified virus is used to carry and deliver the new gene. There are two different categories of vectors than can be utilized in this process; recomb...
strands which make up the letters of a genetic code. In certain regions of a DNA strand
Despite being magical of gene therapy, it is high-risk. Few people got benefits from it, and it has a low rate of success. Prior to the human trial, Batshaw and Wilson had done experiment on animals to ensure the safety. Over 20 experiments have been done on mice but only 12 of them survived at last (Sophia, M. and Kolehmainen, J.D., 2000). More seriously, complicating diseases, which can be more dangerous than genetic diseases, might set in during the treatment period. In December 200...
The immune system has the important job of protecting the body from foreign invaders. It is made up of a network of cells (including white blood cells), tissue and organs. The foreign invaders the immune system fight include viruses, bacteria, microbes and pathogens. In order to stop these foreign invaders, there is a process known as immune response that attacks in three different lines of defence. Without this immune response, the body would be constantly under invasion by pathogens trying to attack and induce illness.
Then the sequence was loaded into Velvet where it was trimmed to the desired k-mer length for alignment and contig formation. Mitos and MEGA alignment Explorer were also used in order to get the DNA sequence to a
Restriction enzymes (restriction endonuclease) are enzymes that cut DNA at a specific region of nucleotide sequences, known as the restriction site. To cut the DNA, restriction enzymes make two incisions, one through each strand, or sugar-phosphate backbone. After cutting, another
The immune system is a fascinating structure it defends the body against foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses and parasites. There are two primary forms that make up the immune system they are, innate and adaptive systems. Both the innate and adaptive system plays a large role in the immune system. The innate is the primary system to defend against foreign materials and the adaptive is the secondary system that responds to specific issues.
The restriction enzymes SmaI cuts DNA vertically. This results in two DNA fragments with blunt ends. Next, the gene is spliced into a vect... ... middle of paper ... ... le by stopping illness but this process has also been vandalised for many uses which are not necessary.
We are always hearing on the news and in newspapers about children catching diseases and often dying from them. Why is this happening when all of these diseases are easily preventable by simply being immunised, why aren’t parents getting their children Immunised, is it for religious beliefs or just carelessness. What ever their reason may be is it really good enough, because why would anyone rather let their child be able to catch and spread a deadly disease then have them Immunised, so Immunisation should be made compulsory for all children.
In addition to serving as a drainage system, the lymphatic system, along with the lymphoid tissues and organs, play a vital role in the body’s immune system to create an immune response. The body ...