Molecular Analysis Of Mouse T Cell Receptor Alpha And Beta Gene Rearrangements

PCR on genomic DNA isolated from lymphocyte populations is an invaluable technique to analyze T cell receptor (TCR) alpha and beta gene rearrangements. Although this approach is powerful, it also has limitations that must be accounted for in experimental design and data interpretation. Here, we provide background required for understanding these limitations, and then outline standard PCR methods that can be used for analysis of TCR alpha and beta gene rearrangements in mice.