A NOVEL GENE, TRANSLIN, ENCODES A RECOMBINATION HOTSPOT BINDING-PROTEIN ASSOCIATED WITH CHROMOSOMAL TRANSLOCATIONS

We have identified a novel gene, Translin, encoding a protein which sp ecifically binds to consensus sequences at breakpoint junctions of chr omosomal translocations in many cases of lymphoid malignancies. The en coded protein, Translin, is a previously undescribed type with no sign ificant similarity to known proteins. In the native-form, Translin pol ypeptides form a multimeric structure which is responsible for its DNA binding activity. Nuclear localization of Translin is limited to lymp hoid cell lines, raising the intriguing possibility that nuclear trans port of Translin is regulated in a physiologically significant way suc h that active nuclear transport is associated with the lymphoid specif ic process known as Ig/TCR gene rearrangement.