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Variation in the major urinary protein multigene family in wild-derived mice
Abstract:
The levels of expression and genomic organization of genes coding for the major urinary proteins (MUPs) were examined in several stocks of wild-derived mice. Levels of MUP mRNA in the liver varied considerably with M. musculus Brno and M. castaneus males having several-fold more MUP RNA than inbred C57BL/6 males, whereas M. hortulanus, M. caroli and M. cervicolor displayed levels much lower than C57BL/6. Analysis of RNA with MUP cDNAs specific to two different subfamilies of MUP genes revealed that M. caroli and M. cervicolor primarily expressed a MUP mRNA that was less abundant in C57BL/6, suggesting differential expression of subfamilies of genes within the MUP multigene complex. Although inbred males usually have five-fold more MUP mRNA than inbred females, male to female ratios for wild-derived stocks ranged from one to several hundred. Southern blots of genomic DNA hybridized to MUP subfamily probes revealed differences in restriction fragment sizes as well as possible variation in the number of MUP genes in some species. Analysis of urinary proteins from hybrids between C57BL/6 and M. spretus suggested that low MUP expression in M. spretus females was due to cis-acting genetic elements.
Insights
Major urinary proteins (MUPs) gene expression and organization vary significantly across wild mouse species. These differences, influenced by sex and genetic factors, impact MUP levels and subfamily expression.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Mammalian Genetics
Background:
- Major urinary proteins (MUPs) are a multigene family crucial for pheromone transport in mice.
- Understanding MUP gene expression and organization diversity is key to studying mammalian communication and evolution.
- Wild-derived mouse stocks offer valuable insights into genetic variation beyond inbred strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression levels and genomic organization of major urinary protein (MUP) genes in wild-derived mouse stocks.
- To identify variations in MUP gene expression patterns between different mouse species and sexes.
- To explore the genetic basis for differential MUP gene subfamily expression and regulation.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of MUP mRNA levels in liver tissue using Northern blotting and specific cDNA probes.
- Southern blot hybridization to assess the genomic organization and copy number of MUP genes across species.
- Analysis of urinary proteins in interspecific hybrids to investigate regulatory mechanisms of MUP expression.
Main Results:
- Significant variation in MUP mRNA levels was observed across wild mouse species, with some exhibiting much higher levels than inbred C57BL/6 mice.
- Differential expression of MUP gene subfamilies was detected, particularly in species like M. caroli and M. cervicolor.
- Male to female MUP mRNA expression ratios varied widely, from 1:1 to several hundredfold, in wild-derived stocks.
- Genomic analysis revealed potential variations in MUP gene number and restriction fragment patterns among species.
- Evidence suggests cis-acting genetic elements contribute to low MUP expression in M. spretus females.
Conclusions:
- MUP gene expression and genomic organization are highly diverse in wild-derived mice, reflecting significant evolutionary adaptation.
- Sex-specific regulation and differential subfamily expression contribute to the observed variations in MUP levels.
- Genetic elements, likely cis-acting, play a critical role in modulating MUP expression, particularly in females.