The c-abl gene codes for a protein-tyrosine kinase and is expressed in most examined murine cell types as two distinct mRNA species of 5.5 kilobases (kb) and 6.5 kb. In mouse testis, an additional species of 4.0 kb is expressed in very high levels. To study the interrelationship between various c-abl transcripts and to compare their sequence with the v-abl transcript, we prepared c-abl-specific cDNA clones from mouse testis and determined the complete nucleotide sequence of the 4.0-kb cDNA that appears to be the reverse transcript of the testis-specific mRNA. In addition, we have determined the 3' sequence of an additional clone derived from the larger mRNA species that is expressed in somatic as well as germ-line cells. These cDNA sequences have been compared with the v-abl sequences to understand the mechanism of activation of this oncogene. The results demonstrate that (i) testis-specific c-abl mRNAs arise as a result of 3' truncation, and (ii) the v-abl gene has arisen from its cellular homologue as a result of an extensive deletional/mutational process.