Somatic hypermutation and the three R's: repair, replication and recombination.

R. S. Harris, Q. Kong, N. Maizels

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Somatic hypermutation introduces single base changes into the rearranged variable (V) regions of antigen activated B cells at a rate of approximately 1 mutation per kilobase per generation. This is nearly a million-fold higher than the typical mutation rate in a mammalian somatic cell. Rampant mutation at this level could have a devastating effect, but somatic hypermutation is accurately targeted and tightly regulated. Here, we provide an overview of immunoglobulin gene somatic hypermutation; discuss mechanisms of mutation in model organisms that may be relevant to the hypermutation mechanism; and review recent advances toward understanding the possible role(s) of DNA repair, replication, and recombination in this fascinating process.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)157-178
Number of pages22
JournalMutation Research
Volume436
Issue number2
StatePublished - Mar 1 1999

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