Publications by authors named "Philippe Smelty"
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
November 2010
Article Synopsis
- The development of αβ T cells in humans and mice is regulated by the pre-T-cell receptor α chain (pTα) which pairs with the T-cell receptor β chain to form the pre-T-cell receptor on thymocytes.
- Through genomic analysis of various species, researchers identified the pTα gene in birds and reptiles, and found that while the gene's arrangement is stable in mammals, there are notable differences upstream in sauropsids suggesting some chromosomal changes.
- Comparative studies reveal that some species like sauropsids and marsupials have a shorter pTα cytoplasmic tail, lacking critical elements needed for effective pre-TCR function found in mammals, prompting a reassessment of pTα’s evolutionary role and signaling functions.
