Journal Article

DZNE-2022-00369

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Evolution of a New Testis-Specific Functional Promoter Within the Highly Conserved Map2k7 Gene of the Mouse.

Heinen, T. ; Xie, C. ; Keshavarz, M.DZNE* ; Stappert, D.DZNE* ; Künzel, S. ; Tautz, D.

2022
Frontiers Media Lausanne

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.3389/fgene.2021.812139

Abstract: Map2k7 (synonym Mkk7) is a conserved regulatory kinase gene and a central component of the JNK signaling cascade with key functions during cellular differentiation. It shows complex transcription patterns, and different transcript isoforms are known in the mouse (Mus musculus). We have previously identified a newly evolved testis-specific transcript for the Map2k7 gene in the subspecies M. m. domesticus. Here, we identify the new promoter that drives this transcript and find that it codes for an open reading frame (ORF) of 50 amino acids. The new promoter was gained in the stem lineage of closely related mouse species but was secondarily lost in the subspecies M. m. musculus and M. m. castaneus. A single mutation can be correlated with its transcriptional activity in M. m. domesticus, and cell culture assays demonstrate the capability of this mutation to drive expression. A mouse knockout line in which the promoter region of the new transcript is deleted reveals a functional contribution of the newly evolved promoter to sperm motility and the spermatid transcriptome. Our data show that a new functional transcript (and possibly protein) can evolve within an otherwise highly conserved gene, supporting the notion of regulatory changes contributing to the emergence of evolutionary novelties.

Keyword(s): kinase ; new promotor ; regulatory evolution ; sperm maturation ; testis

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Translational Biogerontology (AG Ehninger)

Research Program(s):

1. 352 - Disease Mechanisms (POF4-352) (POF4-352)

Experiment(s):

1. Laboratory Automation Technologies (CRFS-LAT) / Bonn

Appears in the scientific report 2022

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