RNA helicases as regulators of the response of B-cells to programmed DNA rearrangements

B-lymphocytes are cells of the immune system responsible for the production of antibodies (specialized proteins called immunoglobulins), which recognize specific pathogens. B-cell development occurs concomitantly with mechanisms of DNA cut-and-paste occurring at the genomic loci that encode for immunoglobulins (referred to as gene rearrangements). Gene rearrangements diversify the antibody response to ensure that a wide range of pathogens can be efficiently targeted. However, breaks on the DNA molecule are dangerous to the stability of the B-cell genome and must be tightly controlled to limit the risk for immunodeficiency and lymphoid malignancy. Recent studies implicate a role for RNA and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in these processes. This proposal aims to explore the role of RNA remodelling enzymes, known as RNA helicases, in B-cell development and immunoglobulin gene rearrangements. This work will provide new insight into the role of RNA helicases in B-cells, with implications for immune disease and B-cell lymphomagenesis.