Immunology Group The Department of Biology  Harney Science Center, Room 342  Ph: (415) 422-6755  Fax: (415) 422-6363     Mary Jane Niles, Professor

B lymphocytes provide a valuable model system for studying the regulated growth and development of animal cells.  The wealth of information on immunoglobulin gene structure and expression and the availability of transformed cell lines representing defined stages in B cell development provide a framework for studies of normal and cultured cells.  Such studies continue to enhance our understanding of cellular processes such as intercellular communication, intracellular signaling, gene regulation, and protein synthesis and transport.

The ultimate goal of B lymphocyte development is the efficient assembly and secretion of antibodies, or immunoglobulins, a family of glycoproteins that function as mediators of specific humoral immunity.  Thus in the primary immune response, a resting B cell is triggered by antigen and cytokine signals to secrete a class of antibody called IgM.  Unlike the classes of antibody secreted later and in subsequent responses to that same antigen, IgM is secreted as a disulfide-linked pentameric ring.  This 950 kd assemblage appears to be limited to five IgM monomers by the inclusion of a 15 kd polypeptide called the J (joining) Chain.  Our interests focus on the structure and function of the immunoglobulin J Chain, a highly conserved component of pentamer IgM, and the ER-associated proteins that function in the efficient assembly and transport of the pentameric antibody, (IgM)5J.

Recent projects:

• Studies on the three-dimensional structure of the immunoglobulin J Chain
• Identification of the endoplasmic reticulum - associated IgM "polymerizing enzyme", sulfhydryl oxidase

    Where to now?

• M.J. Niles   Return to my main page.
• University of San Francisco   University of San Francisco's main page.
• Night Vision Puppets.  We appreciate creative and entertaining endeavors.

Comments:   niles @ usfca . edu    [email address modified to prevent automated address "farming" by spammers]

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