Regulation of V(D)J recombination by E-protein transcription factors

Abstract

Extensive study of the E-proteins E2A and HEB during lymphoeyte development has revealed various functions for theseb HLH transcription factorsin regulating V(D)J recombination in both B-and T-cells. The study of E-proteinsin mammals began with the identification of E2A by its ability to bind immunoglobulin heavy and light chainenhancers. Subsequent analysis has identified numerous roles for E2A and HEB at the immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor loci. E-protein targets also include the rag genes and other factors critical for recombination and for regulation of the developmental windows when cells undergore combination. E-proteinsappear to be master regulators that coordinate antigen receptor gene rearrangement and expression. This chapter focuses on how E-proteins regulate V(D)J recombination by activating transcription, initiating rearrangement and drivingdifferentiation during B-and T-cell development. © 2009 Landes Bioscience and Springer Science+Business Media.