You have identified and cloned a gene that encodes a novel receptor, which you n

Question

You have identified and cloned a gene that encodes a novel receptor, which you named EVYL. EVYL is express on some, but not all, B cells. The ligand for this receptor is still unknown but, because of its homology to other immune receptors (including the BCR), you hypothesize that signaling through EVYL also occurs through cross-linking.

a). Describe an experiment that would help support this hypothesis

b). You are now interested in how this receptor signals, and hypothesize it is similar to signaling through BCRs and TCRs. What signaling components, or steps, are shared by both of these receptors that you could look for in EVYL-activated signaling? List at least three.

c). Pick two of the components/steps you listed in part b. For each, describe an experiment (in general terms) you could do to test whether EVYL receptors also use the same (or related) components?

Explanation / Answer

a)

This hypothesis can be supported by the doing a experiment that will involve the ligands necessary for the activation of BCR. As we are hypothesizing that the signaling through EVYL also occurs through the cross linking than if the EVYL is similar to BCR in homology, it will be activated by the ligands used for the BCR. It will also help in determining the few components necessary for the activation of the EVYL receptors.

b)

The cytokines released from the action of TCR help in the activation of BCR. So, we will look for the special secondary messengers like IP3 and DAG. Also we will look for the transcription factors that will be activated as a result of signaling.

c)

The release of secondary messengers and activation of the transcription factors can be seen in the EVYL signaling by combining the coding sequence of a fluorescent agent with the coding sequence of the EVYL receptor. This will help to track the whole signaling mechanism and will tell that EVYL receptor also use the same components or not.

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