# IMMUNOGENETICS OF SPERMATOZOA, EGGS, AND EMBRYOS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · 1994 · $288,930

## Abstract

The T/t complex on mouse chromosome 17 which includes the major
histocompatibility complex (MHC), also contains a number of mutant gene
that affect the differentiation of spermatozoa, and others that function
during early embryonic development.  Thus, it has been intensively
investigated as model system for analyzing both immunobiology and
differentiation, and their genetic control.  Until recently, however, the
molecular biology of the tau-complex was limited to chromosomal walking,
marker identification, and random screening.  This phase has now been
accomplished.  New results from this laboratory, obtained with a
combination of genetic and molecular techniques have shown that the MHC has
become the site major interest in the tau-complex and provided the tools to
investigate a gene complex that regulates development in a mammal.  Five
out of six newly cloned male germ-cell-expressed genes residing in the MHC
show expression changes in wild type versus tau-mutant testis.  In terms of
early embryo development, of the four recessive, early embryo tau-lethal
genes interspersed with MHC genes , two have been more precisely located:
tw5 is genetically inseparable from H-2K, and one of the earliest acting
mammalian lethals, t12, is located either in the TL region or the uncloned
"gap" between the TL and Qalpha regions.  The early-embryo expressed
transcription factor, Oct-4, has also been mapped to the gap between TL and
Qalpha, and preliminary studies indicate it may well be t12.

This project proposes three complementary strategies to define the
molecular and biological function of these interesting tau-complex genes.
(1)  Analyze the cloned testis-expressed genes at the transcriptional,
translational, and protein level.  Ultimately, we will employ transgenic
technology to study their dominant function.  (2)  Identify and map cloned
genes, both from our laboratory and others, that are transcribed from
within the tau-complex, and expressed in early mouse embryos.  We will
concentrate on those that are candidates for the tau-lethal mutation.
Currently, this includes Oct-4 and six other early embryonic tau/tau
complex encoded cDNAs.  (3)  Recombinational genetic analysis of the
tau/tau complex region to support the molecular and functional analysis.
Our long- term objective is to understand the molecular mechanisms and
genetic control of cellular commitment.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2196734
- **Project number:** 5R01HD010668-19
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- **SAM.gov UEI:** V6AFQPN18437
- **Principal Investigator:** KAREN J ARTZT
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $288,930
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1976-05-01 → 1996-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2196734

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2196734, IMMUNOGENETICS OF SPERMATOZOA, EGGS, AND EMBRYOS (5R01HD010668-19). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2196734. Licensed CC0.

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