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A tiger mouse and relatives. Variants caused by an activated transposable element?

M E Wallace, H R Nash

    The Journal of Heredity
    |January 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    A unique mouse mutation, 'Tiger', resulted from a Peruvian mouse genome influencing DNA instability. This genetic anomaly caused unusual phenotypes and suggested a link between the Peruvian genome, DNA instability, and murine leukemia virus.

    Area of Science:

    • Genetics and Genomics
    • Developmental Biology
    • Mammalian Genetics

    Background:

    • Laboratory mice are crucial models for genetic research.
    • The Peruvian mouse genome is known for high mutation rates and aberrant karyotypes.
    • The yellow (AyA) coat color gene in mice is associated with ecotropic murine leukemia virus.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the genetic basis of an unusual 'Tiger' mouse phenotype.
    • To explore the influence of the Peruvian genome on genetic stability and mutation.
    • To examine the inheritance patterns and potential mosaicism in the affected mouse.

    Main Methods:

    • Phenotypic analysis of a novel 'Tiger' mouse and its progeny (F1, F2, F3 generations).
    • Genetic crosses with laboratory stock mice and allozyme typing.
    • Karyotype analysis to assess chromosomal normality.
    • Investigation of unusual genetic events in related mice, including mutations and translocations.

    Main Results:

    • A unique 'Tiger' mouse (yellow with black dorsal stripes) appeared from a cross involving a Peruvian-influenced mother.
    • The 'Tiger' mouse exhibited gonosomic mosaicism (Ayat/atat), with the homozygous cell line likely arising from the heterozygous one.
    • Allozyme segregation was normal except for the Es-3 locus, where the 'Tiger' mouse was homozygous.
    • Related mice showed increased mutations, probable translocations, and somatic defects, all tracing back to the Peruvian-influenced mother.

    Conclusions:

    • The Peruvian genome component in the mother likely induced DNA sequence instability, affecting the yellow gene and causing widespread genetic disturbances.
    • This instability may be linked to the high mutation and aberrant karyotype occurrence in the Peruvian genome.
    • The findings suggest a complex interplay between specific genomic backgrounds, DNA instability, and the manifestation of mutations and developmental defects.

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