Regional localization of sex-specific Bkm-related sequences on proximal chromosome 17 of mice

Abstract

Development and fertility in the mouse are known to be influenced by loci mapped to the T/t complex of chromosome 17. Recent evidence suggests that one or more genes near this region may also be associated with sex determination. Washburn and Eicher recently reported partial to complete sex reversal with the Thp deletion on some genetic backgrounds and suggest that this result may be due to a primary sex-determining locus (Tas) that is closely linked to, or a part of, the T locus. Sex-specific, Bkm (banded Krait minor satellite DNA)-related sequences are known to have autosomal as well as heterogametic sex chromosomal copies, but specific regions of autosomal localization have not been described. We now demonstrate the presence of chromosome Y-related DNA sequences on proximal chromosome 17 in Sex-reversed (Sxr) and normal mice using in situ hybridization of mitotic chromosomes with 3H-labelled pCS316 (ref. 4), a probe that shows major hybridization to the proximal portion of the mouse chromosome Y. These data, and those of Washburn and Eicher, argue for a gene(s) related to sex determination or differentiation within the proximal portion of mouse chromosome 17.

Chromosomal Spreading of Microsatellites and (TTAGGG)_n Sequences in the <b><i>Characidium zebra </i></b>and<b><i> C. gomesi </i></b>Genomes (Characiformes: Crenuchidae)

“…In mice, (GATA) n repeats were evidenced in Y chromosomes and in the proximal region of chromosome pair 17. This suggests that autosomes could be involved in the male germ cell differentiation [Kiel-Metzger and Erickson, 1984].…”

Heterogeneities in the distribution of (GACA)n simple repeats in the karyotypes of primates and mouse

“…Specific hybridization over the mouse Y chromosome has been demonstrated by Singh and Jones (1982). However, chromosome 17 was also found to be labeled by authors using the same cloned probe (Kiel-Metzger and Erickson 1984). In the present study the in situ hybridization of the biotinylated as well as the digoxigenated (GACA)4 probe to male mouse metaphase chromosome spreads demonstrated a concentration of the signal in the paracentromeric region including the sex-determining region of the Y chromosome (Fig.7a,b).…”

Northern analyses using single‐stranded probes do not support a role for GATA/GACA repeats in sex determination in mice and men

“…The association of Bkm with mouse proximal chromosome 17 provides evidence for this. Through in situ chromosomal hybrid-ization, Bkm sequences have been found to be present in an area of chromosome 17 related to sex determination (Kiel-Metzger and Erickson, 1984). Two deletions in this region of chromosome 17 cause hermaphroditism or sex reversal in mice on a C57BLf6 and Y Dom strain background (Eicher and Washburn, 1986).…”