Testis-/embryo-expressed genes are clustered in the mouse H-2K region.
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the mouse is located on chromosome 17 in the distal inversion of the t complex. In addition to genes playing major roles in the immune response, it contains a diversity of genes. In humans, numerous diseases are known to be associated with the MHC loci. Moreover, at least three recessive embryonic t-lethal mutations have been mapped to the MHC. Here a molecular genetic approach was used to study the detailed genomic structure of 240 kilobases (kb) surrounding the H-2K gene and 150 kb of a partly homologous region located in the distal inversion of the t complex. Combined with previous findings, the H-2K region was found to contain an impressively high density of genes--12 transcription units in 240 kb. Surprisingly, virtually all of these genes are expressed in testis and/or embryos. The genomic organization of this region is contrasted with the 150 kb of the homologous area where only three genes and an endogenous retrovirus reside.
Yeom
Y I
YI
Department of Zoology, University of Texas, Austin 78712-1064.
Abe
K
K
Bennett
D
D
Artzt
K
K
D000818:Animals; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D015139:Blotting, Southern; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D015870:Gene Expression; D005796:Genes; D005805:Genes, MHC Class I / Q000235:genetics*; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D015183:Restriction Mapping; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D012333:RNA, Messenger