Autosomal telomere exchange results in the rapid amplification and dispersion of Csf2ra genes in wild-derived mice.
Common laboratory strains such as C57BL/6J carry a single Csf2ra gene that maps to the distal end of Chromosome (Chr) 19. Here we report that several species of wild mice contain multiple Csf2ra genes. Using interspecific backcross mapping and in situ hybridization, we demonstrate that one of these species, Mus spretus, carries four Csf2ra genes dispersed among the distal tips of Chrs 4, 10, 13, and 19. Our data further suggest that these additional Csf2ra genes are not generated by retrotransposition, but rather by nonhomologous subtelomeric exchanges that could be mediated in part by ribosomal genes located at the subtelomeric regions of Chrs 4, 13, and 19. Although we do not know whether these additional Csf2ra genes are functionally active, our studies suggest that subtelomeric exchange provides a potent means for rapid gene amplification in the mouse.
Brannan
C I
CI
Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA. Brannan@mgm.ufl.edu
Disteche
C M
CM
Park
L S
LS
Copeland
N G
NG
Jenkins
N A
NA
D000818:Animals; D000830:Animals, Laboratory / Q000235:genetics; D000835:Animals, Wild / Q000235:genetics; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005260:Female; D005784:Gene Amplification; D005796:Genes; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009115:Muridae / Q000235:genetics*; D016187:Receptors, Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000235:genetics*; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D013045:Species Specificity; D016615:Telomere / Q000235:genetics*; D014178:Translocation, Genetic / Q000235:genetics
D016187:Receptors, Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor