Progress in epigenetic regulation of V(D)J recombination

Abstract

During lymphocyte development antigen receptor genes undergo V (D)J recombination to obtain antigen binding specificity and diversity. This process is not only controlled by genetic factors, such as tissue- and stage- specificity of RAG-1/2 protein, germline transcriptional activity and ACEs, but also regulated at epigenetic level. The chromatin accessibility of recombinase is associated with the chromatin configuration around the targeted gene segments. Thus, activation of V (D)J recombination requires the recruitment of remodeling complexes for changing the accessibility in the localized chromatin. Moreover, docking of remodeling complexes, which serve for creating active chromatin environment, relies on certain patterns of chromatin modification. Some recent findings regarding epigenetic regulation mechanisms in V(D)J recombination, such as CpG methylation, histone modification, nucleosome remodeling and nuclear topology were reviewed.