Simultaneous expression of immunoglobulin mu and delta heavy chains by a cloned B-cell lymphoma: a single copy of the VH gene is shared by two adjacent CH genes.

The cloned murine B-cell lymphoma line (BCL1) that expresses surface IgM and IgD is considered to be a model for the immunoglobulin gene expression of the mature virgin B cell. Of particular interest is the mechanism by which a single VH gene is shared by two CH genes. We examined the organization of the immunoglobulin heavy chain genes in BCL1 DNA. A single arrangement of CH genes was found with the expressed VHDJH gene complex just 5' to the Cmu gene. The complete DNA sequence of the VH gene was determined. No rearrangement occurred in the intervening DNA between the JH and C mu genes or between the C mu and C delta genes. We conclude that dual expression of mu and delta heavy chains using a single VH gene is accomplished by alternate processing of a primary transcript that encompasses the the VHDJH complex and both CH genes.