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A single mouse gene encodes the mitochondrial transcription factor A and a testis–specific nuclear HMG-box protein

Nature Genetics volume 13, pages 296–302 (1996)Cite this article

Abstract

Mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA) is a key regulator of mammalian mitochondrial DMA transcription. We report here that a testis–specific isoform of mouse mtTFA lacks the mitochondrial targeting sequence and is present in the nucleus of spermatocytes and elongating spermatids, thus representing the first reported mammalian gene encoding protein isoforms targeted for the mitochondria or the nucleus. The presence of the mitochondrial transcriptional activator in the nucleus raises the possibility of a role for this protein in both genetic systems. Mutations in the nuclear mtTFA gene may therefore exhibit phenotypic consequences due to altered function in either or both genetic compartments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Developmental Biology, Beckman Center for Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, 94305-5427, USA

    Nils-Göran Larsson, J. David Garman & David A. Clayton

  2. Department of Pathology, Sahlgrenska Hospital, S-41345, Göteborg, Sweden

    Anders Oldfors

  3. Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, 94305-5428, USA

    Gregory S. Barsh

Authors
  1. Nils-Göran Larsson
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  2. J. David Garman
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  3. Anders Oldfors
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  4. Gregory S. Barsh
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  5. David A. Clayton
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Correspondence to David A. Clayton.

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Larsson, NG., Garman, J., Oldfors, A. et al. A single mouse gene encodes the mitochondrial transcription factor A and a testis–specific nuclear HMG-box protein. Nat Genet 13, 296–302 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1038/ng0796-296

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