DISTORTION OF TRANSMISSION RATIO BY A CANDIDATE T-COMPLEX RESPONDER LOCUS TRANSGENE

The mouse t complex responder locus (Tcr) is centrally involved in the phenomenon of male-specific transmission ratio distortion (TRD) through its action in haploid germ cells. Previously, we identified a candidate gene, Tcp-10b, whose t allele generates alternatively spliced transcripts. The full-length Tcp-10b(t) transcript is present in pre- and postmeiotic germ cells and encodes a product that is virtually identical with that encoded by the wild-type allele. The alternatively spliced t-specific transcript is observed in postmeiotic haploid spermatids and would encode an altered polypeptide that could convey the Tcr(t) phenotype. To assess their function, we have introduced constructs representing each Tcp-10b(t) transcript into transgenic mice. Breeding experiments demonstrate that these two constructs alter the transmission ratios of t haplotypes from male mice, but in opposite directions. The results provide support for the hypothesis that Tcp-10b(t) is a component of the Tcr locus.