The t-complex-encoded guanine nucleotide exchange factor Fgd2 reveals that two opposing signaling pathways promote transmission ratio distortion in the mouse

Genes Dev. 2007 Jan 15;21(2):143-7. doi: 10.1101/gad.414807.

Abstract

Transmission ratio distortion (TRD), the preferential inheritance of the t haplotype from t/+ males, is caused by the cooperative effect of four t-complex distorters (Tcd1-4) and the single t-complex responder (Tcr) on sperm motility. Here we show that Fgd2, encoding a Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor, maps to the Tcd2 region. The t allele of Fgd2 is overexpressed in testis compared with wild type. A loss-of-function allele of Fgd2 generated by gene targeting reduces the transmission ratio of the t haplotype t(h49), directly demonstrating the role of Fgd2 as Distorter. Fgd2 identifies a second Rho G protein signaling pathway promoting TRD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Animals
  • Crosses, Genetic
  • Female
  • Gene Targeting
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / genetics
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / metabolism*
  • Haplotypes
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism*
  • Models, Genetic
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Sperm Motility
  • Spermatozoa / metabolism*
  • Testis / metabolism
  • t-Complex Genome Region

Substances

  • Fgd2 protein, mouse
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins