Meiotic drive in female mice heterozygous for the HSR inserts on chromosome 1

Genet Res. 1990 Apr;55(2):97-100. doi: 10.1017/s0016672300025325.

Abstract

Chromosome 1 with one or two long insertions has been previously found in natural mouse populations. The inheritance of chromosome 1 with two insertions from the Yakutsk population is analysed in this paper. It was demonstrated that heterozygous females transmit this chromosome to 80-85% of offspring. The observations made at M II, in conjunction with the recombination data, allowed us to conclude that preferential passage of the chromosome 1 with insertions to the oocyte and egg, rather than to the first and second polar bodies at meiosis, is the causative factor of the distorted segregation. A meiotic drive of such potency has not been previously reported for female mammals. The possible mechanism of the drive is discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA Transposable Elements*
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Meiosis*
  • Mice / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA Transposable Elements