Genetic instability at the agouti locus of the mouse (Mus musculus). I. Increased reverse mutation frequency to the Aw allele in A/a heterozygotes

Genetics. 1994 Aug;137(4):1079-87. doi: 10.1093/genetics/137.4.1079.

Abstract

We have compiled the reverse mutation rate data to the white bellied agouti (Aw) allele in heterozygous A/a mice and shown it to be increased by a factor of at least 350 in comparison to the reverse mutation rate in homozygous a/a mice. Employing tightly linked flanking restriction fragment length polymorphism DNA markers, we have shown that reversion to Aw is associated with crossing over in the vicinity of the agouti locus. The non-agouti (a) allele has been recently shown to contain an 11-kb insert within the first intron of the agouti gene. Together with our present results, these observations suggest possible mechanisms to explain the reversion events.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agouti Signaling Protein
  • Alleles*
  • Animals
  • Crossing Over, Genetic
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Ethylnitrosourea
  • Female
  • Heterozygote
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins*
  • Male
  • Mice / genetics*
  • Mice, Inbred C3H
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred DBA
  • Mice, Mutant Strains / genetics
  • Models, Genetic
  • Mutagenesis
  • Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
  • Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • Agouti Signaling Protein
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Proteins
  • Ethylnitrosourea