Synaptic configuration of quadrivalents and their association with the XY bivalent in spermatocytes of Robertsonian heterozygotes of Mus domesticus

BACKGROUND: The nuclear architecture of meiotic prophase spermatocytes is based on higher-order patterns of spatial associations among chromosomal domains and consequently is prone to modification by chromosomal rearrangements. We have shown that nuclear architecture is modified in spermatocytes of Robertsonian (Rb) homozygotes of Mus domesticus. In this study we analyse the synaptic configuration of the quadrivalents formed in the meiotic pro- phase of spermatocytes of mice double heterozygotes for the dependent Rb chromosomes: Rbs 11.16 and 16.17. RESULTS: Electron microscope spreads of 60 pachytene spermatocytes from four animals of Mus domesticus 2n = 38 were studied and their respective quadrivalents analysed in detail. Normal synaptonemal complex was found between arms 16 of the Rb metacentric chromosomes, telocentrics 11 and 17 and homologous arms of the Rb metacentric chromosomes. About 43% of the quadrivalents formed a synaptonemal complex between the heterologous short arms of chromosomes 11 and 17. This synaptonemal complex is bound to the nuclear envelope through a fourth synapsed telomere, thus dragging the entire quadrivalent to the nuclear envelope. About 57% of quadrivalents showed unsynapsed single axes in the short arms of the telocentric chromosomes. About 90% of these unsynapsed quadrivalents also showed a telomere-to-telomere association between one of the single axes of the telocentric chromosome 11 or 17 and the X chromosome single axis, which was otherwise normally paired with the Y chromosome. Nucleolar material was associated with two bivalents and with the quadrivalent. CONCLUSIONS: The spermatocytes of heterozygotes for dependent Rb chromosomes formed a quadrivalent where four chromosomes are synapsed together and bound to the nuclear envelope through four telomeres. The nuclear configuration is determined by the fourth shortest telomere, which drags the centromere regions and heterochromatin of all the chromosomes towards the nuclear envelope, favouring the reiterated encounter and eventual rearrangement between the heterologous chromosomes. The unsynapsed regions of quadrivalents are frequently bound to the single axis of the X chromosome, possibly perturbing chromatin condensation and gene expression.

Chromosomal divergence and evolutionary inferences in Rhodniini based on the chromosomal location of ribosomal genes

In this study, we used fluorescence in situ hybridisation to determine the chromosomal location of 45S rDNA clusters in 10 species of the tribe Rhodniini (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae). The results showed striking inter and intraspecific variability, with the location of the rDNA clusters restricted to sex chromosomes with two patterns: either on one (X chromosome) or both sex chromosomes (X and Y chromosomes). This variation occurs within a genus that has an unchanging diploid chromosome number (2n = 22, including 20 autosomes and 2 sex chromosomes) and a similar chromosome size and genomic DNA content, reflecting a genome dynamic not revealed by these chromosome traits. The rDNA variation in closely related species and the intraspecific polymorphism in Rhodnius ecuadoriensis suggested that the chromosomal position of rDNA clusters might be a useful marker to identify recently diverged species or populations. We discuss the ancestral position of ribosomal genes in the tribe Rhodniini and the possible mechanisms involved in the variation of the rDNA clusters, including the loss of rDNA loci on the Y chromosome, transposition and ectopic pairing. The last two processes involve chromosomal exchanges between both sex chromosomes, in contrast to the widely accepted idea that the achiasmatic sex chromosomes of Heteroptera do not interchange sequences.

Rapid detection of chromosome X, Y, 13, 18, and 21 aneuploidies by primed in situ labeling/synthesis technique.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: Primed in situ labeling/synthesis (PRINS) technique is an alternative to fluorescent in situ hybridization for chromosome analysis. This study was designed to evaluate the application of PRINS for rapid diagnosis of common chromosomal aneuploidy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have carried out PRINS using centromere specific oligonucleotide primers for chromosome X, Y, 13, 18 and 21 on lymphocyte metaphase and interphase cells spread. Specific primer was annealed in situ, followed by elongation of primer by Taq DNA polymerase in presence of labeled nucleotides. Finally, reaction was stopped and visualized directly under fluorescent microscope. RESULTS: Discrete centromere specific signals were observed with each primer. CONCLUSION: PRINS seems to be a rapid and reliable method to detect common chromosome aneuploidy in peripheral blood lymphocyte metaphase and interphase cells.

Migração, estrutura populacional, tipos de casamentos e doenças genéticas / Migration, population structure, types of marriages and genetic diseases

A migração é o fator evolutivo capaz de dispersar a diversidade genética entre populações, inserindo novas características fenotípicas e genotípicas. A dinâmica matrimonial, juntamente como a estrutura da população são fatores que podem alterar a frequência destas características. Exemplo dessas características são as doenças genéticas, onde a frequência e distribuição destas auxilia na compreensão da influência de fatores evolutivos em uma população. No município de Monte Santo, localizado no interior da Bahia, foram encontradas doenças genéticas com elevada frequência, como mucopolissacaridose do tipo VI e fenilcetonúria. Existem evidências que algumas doenças mostram associação entre a raça e o risco de sua ocorrência. Dados moleculares mostraram que na Bahia a contribuição africana é de 47,2%, entretanto, dados baseados em classificação fenotípica apontam para o aumento da contribuição europeia com o afastamento do litoral. Para inferir a origem de algumas doenças genéticas em Monte Santo foram analisados marcadores informativos de ancestralidade autossômicos (AT3-I/D, APO, PV92 e SB19.3 genotipados por PCR; GC*1F e GC*1S por PCR/RFLP; e os marcadores FYnull, CKMM e LPL por PCR em tempo real) e marcadores uniparentais do mtDNA (sequenciamento da região HVS-I) e do cromossomo Y (marcador YAP por PCR; DYS 199, 92R7 e M207 por PCR/RFLP; e M60, PN2, PN3, M34, M89, M9 por sequenciamento). Assim, através da identificação da origem desses marcadores foi possível inferir a contribuição das populações que formaram a população de Monte Santo, e a origem de algumas das alterações gênicas responsáveis pelas doenças genéticas aqui estudadas (síndrome de Treacher Collins, hipotireoidismo congênito, fenilcetonúria, mucopolissacaridose tipo VI, surdez hereditária não sindrômica e osteogênese imperfeita). Os dados do cromossomo Y e dos autossômicos apontam para maior contribuição europeia, e os resultados dos marcadores mitocondriais para elevada contribuição africana e ameríndia. A elevada contribuição europeia tanto paterna quanto autossômica sugere origem europeia para as mutações c.35delG e R252W, responsáveis por aproximadamente 24% dos casos de surdez hereditária não sindrômica e por todos os casos de fenilcetonúria, respectivamente. A mucopolissacaridose do tipo VI tem como causa a mutação p.H178L, a presença desta alteração apenas em pacientes brasileiros, que compartilham o mesmo haplótipo intragênico sugere origem autóctone. Além de marcadores moleculares também foram analisados os tipos de casamentos (endogâmicos, exogâmicos e entre imigrantes) e sua frequência no município. Foi observada elevada frequência de casamentos endogâmicos e baixa taxa de migração, sugerindo crescimento populacional interno. Além disso, a maioria da população reside em povoados, cujo tamanho varia de 113 a 582 pessoas por povoado. Nesta cidade 80% da população tem renda mensal equivalente a meio salário mínimo, o que explica baixa taxa de migração por ausência de atrativos econômicos. Avaliando os casamentos dentro das genealogias dos afetados é possível observar que a maioria 8 deles é filho de pais consanguíneos. Estes resultados mostram que o elevado grau de endogamia e endocruzamento assim como possível efeito fundador e deriva genética estão associados ao aumento da frequência e manutenção das doenças genéticas neste município.

Microquimerismo em glândulas salivares labiais de pacientes submetidas a transplante de células tronco hematopoiéticas / Microchimerism in labial salivary glands of hematopoietic stem cell transplanted patients

Objetivo: o Microquimerismo se refere a uma pequena quantidade de células ou DNA de um indivíduo presentes em outro indivíduo. O seu papel nas doenças autoimunes com semelhanças à doença do enxerto contra o hospedeiro tem sido muito estudado. Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar se o microquimerismo do cromossomo-Y está presente em glândulas salivares labiais de mulheres submetidas a transplantes de células tronco hematopoiéticas com doadores do gênero masculino. Metodologia: onze amostras de glândulas salivares labiais de pacientes submetidos a transplante de células tronco hematopoiéticas alogênicos foram obtidas dos arquivos do Laboratório de Patologia Bucal da Faculdade de Odontologia da UFMG. Nenhum dos autores teve conhecimento prévio do graus de cGVHD das mesmas. Destas amostras, cinco eram de transplante entre gêneros feminino-feminino (grupo controle) e cinco entre masculino-feminino (grupo estudo), além de uma do gênero masculino (controle positivo)...

Y-haplotypes and idiopathic male infertility in an Indian population.

Infertility being a multifactorial disorder, both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the etiology of infertile phenotype. Chromosomal anomalies and Y-microdeletion are the established genetic risk factors of male infertility. Y-haplotypes has been found as risk factor for male infertility in certain populations, though in certain others no association has been reported, suggesting a population-specific association of these variations with male infertility. In a case-control study, 165 azoo-/oligospermic patients and 200 controls were haplotyped for certain Y-haplogroups for a possible association with idiopathic male infertility in an Indian population. Analysed Y-haplogroups showed no association with infertile phenotype. Thus this genetic factor is not a risk for infertility in the studied Indian population but that does not rule out the possibility of any of them, to be a risk in other populations.

Phenotypic variability in patients with isodicentric Y [p11.3]. Aclinical, cytogenetic and molecular study

Isodicentric [idic] chromosomes are the most common Y structural abnormalities and their influence on gonadal and somatic development is extremely variable. The prediction of their phenotypic consequences is often difficult because of the variety of genomic sequences concerned by duplications and deletions, and the variable degrees of mosaicism, 45, X cell line in particular, in various tissues. This study was conducted to provide more information on patients with idic [Yq] allowing a better phenotype-karyotype correlation and understanding the sexual differentiation in these patients. The study included 14 patients referred to the out patient clinic of the Human Genetics Department, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria. The reason for referral was genital ambiguity [8 patients], short stature with variable Turner stigmata [4 patients] and primary amenorrhea with normal height [2 patients]. All patients were subjected to clinical examination and chromosome analysis by GTG and CTG-banding techniques. Fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] and polymerase chain reaction [PCR] were done to determine the structure of the marker chromosomes detected by conventional methods. Chromosome analysis revealed a 45, X/46, X, idic [Y] [p11.3] in ten patients with variable degree of mosaicism, non mosaic 46, X, idic [Y] [p11.3] in two patients and a predominant 46, XX cell line along with 47, XX, idic [Y] [p11.3] cell line in two other patients .While the patients with an idic [Yq] described in this report were phenotypically different, all are considered as being at increased risk for gonadoblastoma. The great phenotypic variations seen in patients with an isodicentric Y chromosome greatly limit the genotype - phenotype correlation

Comparative analysis of human masculinity

To study rapidly evolving male specific Y (MSY) genes we retrieved and analyzed nine such genes. VCY, HSFY and RBMY were found to have functional X gametologs, but the rest did not. Using chimpanzee orthologs for XKRY, CDY, HSFY, PRY, and TSPY, the average silent substitution is estimated as 0.017 +/- 0.006/site and the substitution rate is 1.42 x 10(-9)/site/year. Except for VCY, all other loci possess two or more pseudogenes on the Y chromosome. Sequence differences from functional genes show that BPY2, DAZ, XKRY, and RBMY each have one pseudogene for each one that is human specific, while others were generated well before the human-chimpanzee split, by means of duplication, retro-transposition or translocation. Some functional MSY gene duplication of VCY, CDY and HSFY, as well as X-linked VCX and HSFX duplication, occurred in the lineage leading to humans; these duplicates have accumulated nucleotide substitutions that permit their identification.

Y-STR diversity and ethnic admixture in White and Mulatto Brazilian population samples

We investigated 50 Mulatto and 120 White Brazilians for the Y-chromosome short tandem repeat (Y-STR) markers (DYS19, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392 and DYS393) and found 79 different haplotypes in the White and 35 in the Mulatto sample. Admixture estimates based on allele frequencies showed that the admixture of the white sample was 89 percent European, 6 percent African and 5 percent Amerindian while the Mulatto sample was 93 percent European and 7 percent African. Results were consistent with historical records of the directional mating between European males and Amerindian or African females.

Reproductive deficiency in bulls from synthetic breeds according to the type of crossbreed and the morphology of the Y chromosome

We used 550 Braford and 214 Brangus-Ibagé bulls to study the association between Y chromosome morphology and the evaluation of breeding-soundness, karyotyping and breeding records were used to assess Y chromosome morphology. In general, no direct association was detected between the individual type of Y chromosome and reproductive fitness as previously estimated through breeding soundness examination. The type of breeding strategy used to form the synthetic breeds was also analyzed. The Braford breed is about 3/8 Zebu (Bos taurus indicus) and 5/8 Hereford (Bos taurus taurus) but when the breeding strategy used 1/4 Zebu animals to produce Braford bulls which were 3/8 Zebu a greater percentage of the bulls had to be culled due to reproductive problems. Our study shows that certain interactions between genotypes can be detrimental to the reproductive efficiency of 3/8 Zebu animals and that breeding strategies avoiding or favoring certain genotypes can be used to reduce the percentage of bulls from synthetic breeds that are culled due to problems with semen quality.

Molecular insights into the causes of male infertility.

Infertility is a reproductive health problem that affects many couples in the human population. About 13-18% of couple suffers from it and approximately one-half of all cases can be traced to either partner. Regardless of whether it is primary or secondary infertility, affected couples suffer from enormous emotional and psychological trauma and it can constitute a major life crisis in the social context. Many cases of idiopathic infertility have a genetic or molecular basis. The knowledge of the molecular genetics of male infertility is developing rapidly, new "spermatogenic genes" are being discovered and molecular diagnostic approaches (DNA chips) established. This will immensely help diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to alleviate human infertility. The present review provides an overview of the causes of human infertility, particularly the molecular basis of male infertility and its implications for clinical practice.

Advances in laboratory evaluation of Turner syndrome and its variants: beyond cytogenetics studies.

Turner syndrome is a clinically defined phenotype that is characterized by partial or complete X chromosome monosomy. A host of cytogenetic aberrations and mosaicism have been associated with this syndrome. Some individuals, Turner syndrome variants, have cytogenetic findings consistent with Turner syndrome, but exhibit atypical clinical phenotypes. Recently, several molecular tests have been presented to allow for the refined clinical study of Turner syndrome and its variants.

Microdeleción del cromosoma Y en paciente infértil oligozoopérmico severo / Microdeletion of Y chomosome in severe olygozoospermic infertile patient

We are reporting a 37 year old male with severe oligozoospermia and a history of infertility for thirteen years and surgery for severe unilateral varicocele. The hormonal levels for FSH, LH and T, and karyotype were within the normal range. Multiplex PCR revealed the presence of a de novo microdeletion in the azoospermia factor (AZF) c region involving the deleted in azoospermia (DAZ) and basic protein Y-2 (BPY2) genes. These results suggest that severe oligozoospermia should be considered for the screening of microdeletions of Yq involving the AZFc region even in the presence of a varicocele

O enigma da determinaçäo gonadal: o que existe além do cromossomo Y? / The enign of gonadal determination: there are Beyond Y chromosome?

Os autores revisam os vários fatores envolvidos no complexo processo de determinação gonadal, passando pelo já clássico SRY (fator de determinação testicular, no braço curto do cromossomo Y) e ressaltando os principais genes candidatos a participarem desta verdadeira "cascata" de determinação gonadal. Os genes candidatos se avolumam e têm mostrado os vários caminhos por que passa o processo-chave da diferenciação sexual, qual seja, a diferenciação de um testículo ou de um ovário. Genes localizados upstream em relação ao SRY (WT1, SF-1, DAX-1 e SOX9), suas interdependências e a ativação de promotores de outros genes, como o promotor do gene do hormônio anti-mülleriano são abordados neste artigo. Apesar de a lista de genes candidatos ter crescido, ainda restam muitas interrogações e ainda resta muito trabalho a ser desenvolvido para que se esclareça com maior precisão este passo crucial no mecanismo de diferenciação sexual.

Identification of sex chromosome by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is the complicated and very effective technique to determine the origin of chromosome material that cannot be identified by conventional banding techniques. Also determining the hidden sex chromosome and the percentage of mosaicism. Five peripheral blood and one cord blood sample were used to perform centromeric X and Y chromosome-specific DNA probe to determine the sex chromosome. Comparing the percentage of mosaicism between conventional cytogenetic technique and FISH technique, we found a different ratio in mosaicism. That is because the molecular cytogenetic study was the evaluation of chromosome identification in both dividing (metaphase) and non-dividing cells (interphase nuclei).

Y chromosome microdeletions in idiopathic azoospermia and non-mosaic type of Klinefelter syndrome

The objective of this study was to elucidate the cause of the spermatogenic defect in idiopathic azoospermia and non-mosaic type of Klinefelter syndrome. Genomic DNAs from 9 cases of Korean idiopathic azoospermia and 6 of Korean non-mosaic type of Klinefelter syndrome were used for the detection of Y chromosome microdeletions by polymerase chain reaction using 60 primers. Microdeletions of the Y chromosome were found in 1 of 9 (11.1%) patients with idiopathic azoospermia, whereas none was deleted in non-mosaic type of Klinefelter syndrome. This result suggests that Y chromosome microdeletions could be one of the etiologic factors in idiopathic azoospermia.

Detection of cryptic Y chromosome mosaicism by coamplification PCR with archived cytogenetic slides of suspected Turner syndrome

Turner syndrome is one of the most common cytogenetic abnormalities. It is known that the Y chromosome or Y derived material is present in 6-9% of TS patient and it may develop a high risk of gonadoblastoma in 15-25%. So it is crucial to carry out cyto genetic analysis and Y-specific probe studies for all persons with gonadal dysgenesis to rule out mosaicism with Y-bearing cell line; eg 45,X/46,XY. In this study, 26 archival slides previously analyzed cytogenetically as 45,X, 45,X/46,X,i(X), 45,X/46,X,r(X), and 45,X/46,XX were examined. Coamplification PCR, having the advantage of providing rapid result and confirming PCR failure, was performed with the slide samples in the regions of dystrophin gene in Xp21and DYZ3 in the Y centromeric region. All of archived slides were positive for X-specific gene and one slide of 45,X was found to have the cryptic Y chromosome material. Our result suggests that the archived cytogenetic slides could be applied for the detection of Y chromosome rapidly and efficiently in TS patients.

Family names and the length of the y chromosome in Brazilian blacks

A variabilidade das regiöes heterocromática e eucromática do cromossomo Y humano foi estudada, pelo emprego de uma metodologia da análise quantitativa e através de medidas densitométricas, em 60 negros normais e näo aparentados (30 com sobrenomes de conotaçäo religiosa e 30 sem sobrenome de conotaçäo religiosa) de Salvador, Bahia. Trinta indivíduos caucasóides de origem européia, normais e näo aparentados, de Curitiba, Paraná, constituíram o grupo controle. A regiäo heterocromática e o tamanho total do cromossomo Y foram, em média, maiores nos caucasóides do que nos negros com e sem sobrenomes de conotaçäo religiosa, sendo as médias observadas nestes últimos intermediárias entre as dos caucasóides e dos negros com sobrenome de conotaçäo religiosa. Estes dados estäo de acordo com os de publicaçöes anteriores, que demostram que nos negros com sobrenomes de conotaçäo religiosa há mais ancestrais negros do que naqueles sem sobrenomes de conotaçäo religiosa.

Diferenciaçäo sexual dos vertebrados: contribuiçäo de fatores somáticos e ambientais / Sexual differentiation of vertebrates: contribution of somatic and environmental factors

Há vários séculos a questäo da determinaçäo sexual dos animais é debatida. No entanto, um verdadeiro avanço no entendimento de como e quais fatores estäo ou podem estar envolvidos neste evento foi alcançado somente há algumas décadas. O presente trabalho descreve e discute os fatores genéticos, ambientais (temperatura, concentraçäo de íons, pH, dentre outros) e hormonais que estabelecem o padräo sexual do embriäo indiferenciado de animais pertencentes às várias classes de vertebrados.