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Variable (V), diversity (D), and joining (J) (V(D)J) recombination is the first determinant of antigen receptor diversity. Understanding how recombination is regulated requires a comprehensive, unbiased readout of V gene usage. We have developed VDJ sequencing (VDJ-seq), a DNA-based next-generation-sequencing technique that quantitatively profiles recombination products. We reveal a 200-fold range of recombination efficiency among recombining V genes in the primary mouse Igh repertoire. We used machine learning to integrate these data with local chromatin profiles to identify combinatorial patterns of epigenetic features that associate with active VH gene recombination. These features localize downstream of VH genes and are excised by recombination, revealing a class of cis-regulatory element that governs recombination, distinct from expression. We detect two mutually exclusive chromatin signatures at these elements, characterized by CTCF/RAD21 and PAX5/IRF4, which segregate with the evolutionary history of associated VH genes. Thus, local chromatin signatures downstream of VH genes provide an essential layer of regulation that determines recombination efficiency.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.celrep.2016.05.020

Type

Journal article

Journal

Cell Rep

Publication Date

14/06/2016

Volume

15

Pages

2475 - 2487

Keywords

Algorithms, Animals, Chromatin, Epigenesis, Genetic, Evolution, Molecular, Gene Expression Regulation, Genetic Loci, Homeodomain Proteins, Humans, Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains, Immunoglobulin Variable Region, Mice, Receptors, Antigen, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Transcription, Genetic, V(D)J Recombination