Tctex2: a sperm tail surface protein mapping to the t-complex.
Transmission ratio distortion (TRD) in mouse t-haplotypes remains the most significant example of meiotic drive in vertebrates. While the underlying mechanism that fuels it is still mysterious, TRD is clearly a complex multigene phenomenon. The characterization of Tctex2 (t-complex testis expressed 2) shows it to be one of several candidates for involvement in TRD. Tctex2 maps to the t-complex and encodes a membrane-associated protein found exclusively on the sperm tail. The t-haplotype form of Tctex2 is aberrant in both the level of its expression and its primary amino acid sequence, but is nonetheless translated and transported to its normal location. The multiple amino acid changes in the t-form make it extremely unlikely that it can function normally and, since it is found on sperm tails, suggest that it may actively interfere with the development of normal gamete function in males. The possible role of Tctex2 in t-complex transmission ratio distortion and sterility is discussed.
Huw
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Department of Zoology, University of Texas at Austin 78712-1064, USA.
Goldsborough
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Willison
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Artzt
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D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D001692:Biological Transport; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics; D004398:Dyneins; D006239:Haplotypes / Q000235:genetics; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000235:genetics; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D013082:Sperm Tail / Q000378:metabolism*; D013087:Spermatids / Q000378:metabolism; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D044767:Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases; D056427:t-Complex Genome Region
D018076:DNA, Complementary; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; C533389:Tcte3 protein, mouse; C116196:PPP1R11 protein, human; D044767:Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases; D004398:Dyneins