Homologous expressed genes in the human sex chromosome pairing region

Global gene profiling and comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of a 46,XY female with pericentric inversion of the Y chromosome

XY females are rare individuals who carry a Y chromosome but are phenotypically female. In approximately 80-90% of these cases, there are no mutations in the SRY gene, a testis-determining gene on the short arm of the Y chromosome, and the pathophysiology of XY females without SRY mutation remains unclear. In the present study, we used a molecular data mining technique to analyze the pathophysiology of an XY female with functional SRY and pericentric inversion of the Y chromosome, and compared the results with those of a normal male. Interestingly, upregulations of numerous genes included in the development category of the Biological Process ontology, including genes associated with sex determination and organ morphogenesis, were seen in the patient. Additionally, the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway, in which most cell-cell interactions during embryonic development are involved, were altered. Alterations in the expression of numerous genes at the developmental stage, including alterations at both the gene and pathway levels, may persist as a vestige of anomalies of sex differentiation that presumably began in the fetal period. The present study indicates that a data mining technique using bioinformatics contributes to identification of not only genes responsible for birth defects, but also disorders of sex development (DSD)-specific pathways, and that this kind of analysis is an important tool for clarifying the pathophysiology of human idiopathic XY gonadal dysgenesis. Our findings could serve as one of the basic datasets which will be used for future follow-up investigations.

A clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis of melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to review the features of 8 cases of melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) of the jaws with respect to the expression of NB84, CD99, PGP 9.5, specific cytokeratins, and Ki-67, markers not previously reported in this entity.

STUDY DESIGN

A clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis of MNTIs in 8 children was undertaken.

RESULTS

Patients were aged 2(1/2) months to 14 months. Seven were males. Seven lesions affected the maxilla. Microscopically, collections of larger, melanocyte-like cells were admixed with smaller, neuroblast-like cells. All MNTIs contained melanin; although most showed cellular atypia, mitoses were infrequent (<2 per 10 high-power fields). However, in one lesion in which the melanocyte-like cells appeared less differentiated, 7 mitoses per 10 high-power fields were counted. The larger cells expressed cytokeratins 7 (4/8), 8 (8/8), 18 (6/8), and 19 (3/8); PGP 9.5; neuron-specific enolase (6/8); S100; HMB45; and chromogranin A (2/8). The small cells expressed CD56 (7/8), neuron-specific enolase (7/8), synaptophysin (3/8), PGP 9.5 (3/8), and chromogranin A (2/8). No MNTIs expressed NB84. The most mitotically active tumor was the only one to show membrane expression of CD99 (by both cell populations), have a detectable Ki-67-positive fraction (25% in both the large- and small-cell components), behave aggressively, and require bilateral maxillectomy. All other MNTIs responded to local excision, and none metastasized.

CONCLUSIONS

Most MNTIs are benign and respond to conservative excision. Histology is an unreliable means of predicting clinical behavior, but this study has identified some morphologic and phenotypic features that may indicate a more aggressive lesion.

PBDX is the XG blood group gene

We have identified the Xga antigen, encoded by the XG blood group gene, by employing rabbit polyclonal and mouse monoclonal antibodies raised against a peptide derived from the N-terminal domain of a candidate gene, referred to earlier as PBDX. In indirect haemagglutination assays, these anti-peptide antibodies react with Xg(a+) but not Xg(a-) erythrocytes. In antibody-specific immobilization of antigen (ASIA) and immunoblot assays, the anti-peptide antibodies react with the same molecule as does human anti-Xga. Therefore, by its identity with PBDX, Xga is identified as a cell-surface protein that is 48% homologous to CD99 (previously designated the 12E7 antigen), the product of MIC2 which is tightly linked to XG. PBDX is renamed here XG.

Pseudoautosomal region in schizophrenia: sex concordance of the affected sibpairs and the association study with DNA markers

To test a hypothesis that the pseudoautosomal region of the sex chromosomes contributes to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, we carried out the following studies: First, the sex concordant rates of 77 schizophrenic sibpairs were examined. Secondly, 46 schizophrenic patients and 150 healthy controls were tested for association with DXYS17, DXYS20, DXYS28, and MIC2 in the pseudoautosomal region. Sex concordant rates in sibpairs with schizophrenia were not higher than would be expected by chance. No significant associations were found between four DNA markers we tested and schizophrenia. These results did not support the hypothesis; however, linkage disequilibrium can only be detected if the marker and trait loci are located close enough. Linkage analyses in multiplex families need to be carried out before ruling out this region as a location for a gene for schizophrenia.

Multiple DNA-protein interactions at the CpG island of the human pseudoautosomal gene MIC2

The human MIC2 gene is pseudoautosomal and in females it escapes X inactivation. At the 5' end of the gene a 1.2-kb-long CpG island has been identified that is unmethylated on the active X, the inactive X, and on the Y chromosome. We have demonstrated by 5' RACE experiments that this region contains the transcription start site of the gene. To better characterize this CpG island, we have investigated the interaction between this region and nuclear proteins in vitro by using DNA gel mobility shift and DNase I footprinting techniques. Band shift experiments with HeLa cell nuclear extract have indicated that all the island is involved in multiple interactions with nuclear proteins. Experiments with a eukaryotic purified Sp1 protein have shown that this factor specifically binds to several sites of the island. Three DNase I protected footprints have been identified in the region between nucleotides -122 and +34 with respect to the transcription initiation site. By using a recombinant Sp1 protein, we have shown that all the footprints are due to the binding of Sp1. The sequences of two footprints correspond to the decanucleotide binding site for Sp1, the sequence of the third one does not contain any published Sp1 recognition site.

Two cases of steroid sulfatase deficiency with complex phenotype due to contiguous gene deletions

We report contiguous gene deletions in the distal short arm of the X chromosome in two patients with ichthyosis, due to steroid sulfatase deficiency, and other complex phenotypes. One patient had chondrodysplasia punctata (CDP) and ichthyosis with a normal chromosome constitution. Another patient had a CDP-like phenotype, ichthyosis, and hypogonadism. His karyotype was 46, -X,Y, +der(X)t(X;Y)(p22;q11). DNA from the two patients was analyzed by Southern blotting using cloned fragments mapped in the Xp21-Xpter region to investigate gene deletions. DNA from the patient with CDP showed a gene deletion of the STS, DXS31, and DXS89 loci, and DNA from the patient with X-Y translocation lacked fragments of the STS, DXS31, DXS89, and DXS143 loci. These findings suggest that the common deleted region involving the STS locus might have caused the similar phenotypes in both patients.

Unequal crossing over and heterochromatin exchange in the X-Y bivalents of the deer mouse, Peromyscus beatae

Differences in length of the heterochromatic short arms of the X and Y chromosomes in individuals of Peromyscus beatae are hypothesized to result from unequal crossing over. To test this hypothesis, we examined patterns of synapsis, chiasma formation, and segregation for male P. beatae which were either heterozygous or homozygous for the amount of short-arm sex heterochromatin. Synaptonemal complex analysis demonstrated that mitotic differences in heterochromatic short-arm lengths between the X and Y chromosomes were reflected in early pachynema as corresponding differences in axial element lengths within the pairing region of the sex bivalent. These length differences were subsequently eliminated by synaptic adjustment such that by late pachynema, the synaptonemal complex configurations of the XY bivalent of heterozygotes were not differentiable from those of homozygotes. Crossing over between the heterochromatic short arms of the XY bivalent was documented by the routine appearance of a single chiasma in this region during diakinesis/metaphase I. Sex heterochromatin heterozygotes were characterized by the presence of asymmetrical chiasma between the X and Y short arms at diakinesis/metaphase I and sex chromosomes with unequal chromatid lengths at metaphase II. These data corroborate our hypothesis on the role of unequal crossing over in the production and propagation of X and Y heterochromatin variation and suggest that, in some cases, crossing over can occur during the process of synaptic adjustment.

Regulator genes affecting red cell antigens

Several mechanisms may be involved to explain the action of genes that regulate the expression of red cell antigens. When carbohydrate antigens are involved, lack of an enzyme in the biochemical pathway prevents formation of the precursor for the next and following steps of that path, or, alternatively, addition of an extra sugar to the immuno-dominant sugar may produce a new structure in which the expression of the expected antigen is masked. Thinking of genetic rather than biochemical interference, a regulator gene may "switch-off" the action of a structural gene, and this mechanism could involve the upset of repressor and/or derepressor genes. The mechanisms for the regulator genes described in this article are unknown. The effect of XGR is limited to red cells: the expression of 12E7 antigen on other tissues and cells, other than red cells, is invariable. The reported effects of XOr and XQ are for red cells, but it is unlikely that other cells and tissues have been studied intensively; propositi with these regulator genes are much rarer than people informative for XGR and In(Lu). The effects of In(Lu) are not limited to red cells but have been shown to regulate the expression of p80 on some white cells. Most of the abnormalities in Rhnull cells appear to be associated with the lack of the Rh antigens and lack of Rh proteins. The hypothesis of a functional complex involving Rh, lack of which affects incorporation of apparently unrelated proteins into the red cell membrane, is an attractive idea. Studies of the similar phenotype, Rhmod, suggest that some Rh specificities can be present in cells that appear to be as abnormal, serologically and morphologically, as Rhnull cells. Perhaps some polypeptides are functionally more important than others and perhaps all polypeptides required for the functional efficiency of the Rh complex have not yet been identified. Lack of Lutheran antigens is not always accompanied by modification of other red cell antigens. As suggested by Telen and green, if In(Lu) acts via a single mechanism, then that mechanism differs from that of XS2. Certainly the mechanisms of In(Lu) and XS2 differ in their action on the expression of CD44 or p80 antigens. The red cell surface is well charted territory, familiar to serologists, immunologists, biochemists, and geneticists. It still provides an excellent model for study of cell surface antigens and for the regulator genes described above that modify expression of some red cell antigens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

ZFX has a gene structure similar to ZFY, the putative human sex determinant, and escapes X inactivation

The ZFX gene on the human X chromosome is structurally similar to the ZFY gene, which may constitute the sex-determining signal on the human Y chromosome. ZFY and ZFX diverged from a common ancestral gene, as evidenced by similarities in their intron/exon organization and exon DNA sequences. The carboxy-terminal exons of ZFY and ZFX both encode 13 zinc fingers; 383 of 393 amino acid residues are identical, and there are no insertions or deletions. Thus, the ZFY and ZFX proteins may bind to the same nucleic acid sequences. ZFY and ZFX are transcribed in a wide variety of XY and (in the case of ZFX) XX cell lines. Transcription analysis of human-rodent hybrid cell lines containing "inactive" human X chromosomes suggests that ZFX escapes X inactivation. This result contradicts the "dosage/X-inactivation" model, which postulated that sex is determined by the total amount of functionally interchangeable ZFY and ZFX proteins.

The MIC2 gene product: epitope mapping and structural prediction analysis define an integral membrane protein

The MIC2 locus is located in the pseudoautosomal (pairing) region of human X and Y chromosomes (Goodfellow et al., Science 234, 740-743, 1986). Despite extensive molecular analysis of MIC2 (see Darling et al., Cold Spring Harb. Symp. quant. Biol. 51, 205-211, 1986), study of the gene product has been limited (Banting et al., EMBO J. 41, 1967-1972, 1985). Here we report the combined use of monoclonal antibodies, plasmid expression vectors and structural prediction analysis to define the MIC2 gene product as an integral membrane protein. Random overlapping fragments of a cDNA, corresponding to the MIC2 locus, were cloned into the plasmid expression vector pEX1 (Stanley and Luzio, EMBO J. 3, 1429-1434, 1984) to produce "epitope libraries". Six different monoclonal antibodies, known to recognize the extracellular region of the MIC2 gene product, were used to screen these libraries. Clones recognized by these antibodies were sequenced and their sequences aligned with one another and with the complete MIC2 cDNA sequence. All antibodies tested recognized adjacent and/or overlapping epitopes in the same region of the molecule. These results complement data from a hydropathy plot of a conceptual translation of the MIC2 sequence, which demonstrated the presence of a single long hydrophobic region in the mature protein. Since the antibodies recognize the extracellular portion of the molecule, we were able to determine the orientation in the plasma membrane. This method of analysis is generally applicable where antibodies and cloned cDNAs are available.

Molecular characterization of human X/Y translocations suggests their aetiology through aberrant exchange between homologous sequences on Xp and Yq

Several DNA sequences from two homologous regions, localized on the distal part of the human X chromosome short arm and on the long arm of the Y chromosome, have been hybridized to DNAs from seven human-rodent hybrids containing human X; Y translocation chromosomes. Molecular characterization of the translocated chromosomes has revealed, in all but one case, transfer of the Y cluster of sequences and complete deletion of the corresponding X-chromosomal sequences. The possible role of X/Y homology in the aetiology of X; Y translocations is proposed.

MIC2: a human pseudoautosomal gene

MIC2 and XGR are the only known pseudoautosomal genes in man. MIC2 encodes the 12E7 antigen, a human cell-surface molecule of unknown function. XGR regulates, in cis, the expression of the XG and MIC2 genes. DNA probes derived from the MIC2 locus have been used in the construction of a meiotic map of the pseudoautosomal region and a long range restriction map into the X- and Y-specific chromosome domains. MIC2 is the most proximal marker in the pseudoautosomal region and recombination between the sex chromsomes only rarely includes the MIC2 locus. Our long-range restriction maps and chromosome walking experiments have localized the pseudoautosomal boundary within 40 kilobases adjacent to the 3' end of the MIC2 gene. The same maps have been used to predict the chromosomal location of TDF.

Mapping the human Y chromosome

This paper reviews past and present trends in mapping the human Y chromosome. So far, mapping has essentially used a combination of cytogenetic and molecular analyses of Y-chromosomal anomalies and sex reversal syndromes. This deletion mapping culminated recently in the isolation of the putative sex-determining locus TDF. With the availability of new separation and cloning techniques suited for large size fragments (over 100 kilobases), the next step will consist rather in the establishment of a physical map of fragments of known physical sizes. This may allow the definition of several variants of the human Y chromosome differing by the order or location of DNA sequences along the molecule.

Synaptic behaviour and recombination nodules in the human XY pair

A sample of 90 XY pairs from men with normal karyotypes has been analyzed by measuring their morphological features in electron micrographs of microspread spermatocytes. The classification of human XY types (Solari, 1980) has been given stricter definitions. Stepwise splitting of the axes is seen in types 1 and 2. The development of axial branches and lengthening of the X axis is seen in type 3. In the two subtypes a and b of type 4 the net-like filamentous array grows in length to a maximum (average = 59.7 microns) in subtype b. The location of the putative Y kinetochore defines a short arm that measures 22.34% of Y axis length, and the kinetochore of the X axis defines a short arm of 38.15% of the axial length. The average number of excrescences in the X axis is 19.9 and in the Y is 4.3. The frequency of a non-homologous, distal end-joining grows steadily from type 0 to type 3. The average length of the synaptonemal complex (SC) in 51 XY pairs of types 1 and 2 is 1.33 microns (SD = 0.65) and it corresponds to 25.54% of the Y axis length. Thus, the average SC covers the short arm of the Y and the pericentromeric region. Maximum lengths of this SC may reach up to 81.8% of the Y axis. 30 recombination nodules (RNs) were located in 26 XY pairs, and 90% of the nodules are located in the distal half of the short arm of the Y axis. Thus, RNs are restricted to a segment much shorter than the length of the average SC. A gradient of decreasing probability of recombination may reach up to the centromeric region of the Y chromosome. Some possible consequences of these facts are discussed.

X/Y translocation in a family with X-linked ichthyosis, chondrodysplasia punctata, and mental retardation: DNA analysis reveals deletion of the steroid sulphatase gene and translocation of its Y pseudogene

We describe a family with two male members showing an X/Y translocation (karyotype: 46,Y,der(X)t(X;Y)(p22;q11]. At physical examination both patients showed ichthyosis, mental retardation and dysmorphic features. Chondrodysplasia punctata and short stature were present in one case. Direct DNA analysis, using a steroid sulphatase cDNA probe, was performed in one patient, his mother and sister, both carriers of the translocation. We found that the translocated region of the Y chromosome includes the steroid sulphatase pseudogene. These results suggest that in our patients the X/Y translocation may be derived from a recombinational event between homologous regions located on the short arm of the X chromosome and the long arm of the Y chromosome. Clinical and molecular studies on the present family add further information for the construction of a tentative physical map of the distal Xp.

Immunochemical characterization of the human blood cell membrane glycoprotein recognized by the monoclonal antibody 12E7

The 12E7 murine monoclonal antibody recognizes a protease-sensitive component of human red cells, platelets and lymphocytes which could not be detected on granulocytes. Scatchard analyses indicated that the 125I-labelled antibody binds to 1000, 4000 and 27,000 antigen sites on each red cell, platelet and lymphocyte respectively, with a binding constant ranging from 4 x 10(7) to 9 x 10(7) M-1. The membrane components recognized by the monoclonal antibody were characterized by immunostaining on nitrocellulose sheets. A 28 kDa sialoglycoprotein was visualized following electrophoretic transfer of the red cell and lymphocyte membrane proteins separated by SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Another component of 25 kDa was also clearly identified in the lymphocyte and platelet lysates, but was barely detectable in the red cell membrane preparations. Enzyme treatment of intact platelets, as well as analysis of the membrane and cytosolic preparations from these cells, have shown that the 25 kDa component was of cytoplasmic origin. The mobility of the 28 kDa membrane component is decreased following neuraminidase treatment of intact blood cells, but these cells still react normally with the monoclonal antibody, indicating that sialic acids are not required for binding. The 28 kDa component is present on red cell membranes prepared from S-s-U-, En(a-) and Gerbich(-) individuals, demonstrating that it is a new sialoglycoprotein not derived from glycophorins A, B, C or D. The 28 kDa component was totally solubilized with 0.1% Triton X-100 from red cell membranes and behaves like the other red cell membrane sialoglycoproteins since it was extracted in the aqueous phase following chloroform/methanol/water or butanol/water partitionings. The 28 kDa component could be partially purified by h.p.l.c. gel permeation chromatography and preparative SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. The material finally obtained strongly inhibits the 12E7 monoclonal as well as human anti-Xga antibodies, suggesting either that the 28 kDa glycoprotein carries both antigens or that the 12E7 and Xga-active molecules copurified.

Mapping the testis determinants by an analysis of Y-specific sequences in males with apparent XX and XO karyotypes and females with XY karyotypes

A number of patients with paradoxical sex chromosome complements (so-called XY females, XX and XO males) have been investigated with a series of 19 Yp and 4 Yq DNA probes to establish which region of the Y is essential for male sexual differentiation. Of the 23 XX males, 18 possessed one or more Yp probe sequences with only 5 lacking such sequences. Of 9 XY females examined, only one showed evidence of a deletion in Yp occurring either as a result of X-Y interchange or interstitial deletion. This suggests that the majority of XY females are not commonly deleted for those Y sequences which are found to be transferred to the X in XX males. The DNA of two XO males both contained different portions of the Y. From a comparison of the patterns of Yp sequences in these patients, it has been possible to elaborate a model of Yp in terms of the order of probe sequences and to suggest a location for the testis determining region in distal Yp.

Isolation and characterization of a steroid sulfatase cDNA clone: genomic deletions in patients with X-chromosome-linked ichthyosis

We have isolated several cDNA clones from a lambda gt11 expression library by screening with antibodies prepared against the microsomal enzyme steroid sulfatase, which is deficient in classical X-chromosome-linked ichthyosis patients. One of these clones (p422) has been assigned by mapping with a somatic cell hybrid panel and by in situ hybridization to Xp22.3. Clone p422 therefore has a coincident localization with the previously identified locus for steroid sulfatase expression in the region of the X chromosome escaping from inactivation. Twelve steroid sulfatase-deficient patients, including eight cases of classical ichthyosis, were found to be deleted for genomic sequences detected by the clone.

Cytogenetic and molecular studies on a recombinant human X chromosome: implications for the spreading of X chromosome inactivation

A pericentric inversion of a human X chromosome and a recombinant X chromosome [rec(X)] derived from crossing-over within the inversion was identified in a family. The rec(X) had a duplication of the segment Xq26.3----Xqter and a deletion of Xp22.3----Xpter and was interpreted to be Xqter----Xq26.3::Xp22.3----Xqter. To characterize the rec(X) chromosome, dosage blots were done on genomic DNA from carriers of this rearranged X chromosome using a number of X chromosome probes. Results showed that anonymous sequences from the distal end of the long arm to which probes 4D8, Hx120A, DX13, and St14 bind as well as the locus for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) were duplicated on the rec(X). Mouse-human cell hybrids were constructed that retained the rec(X) in the active or inactive state. Analyses of these hybrid clones for markers from the distal short arm of the X chromosome showed that the rec(X) retained the loci for steroid sulfatase (STS) and the cell surface antigen 12E7 (MIC2); but not the pseudoautosomal sequence 113D. These molecular studies confirm that the rec(X) is a duplication-deficiency chromosome as expected. In the inactive state in cell hybrids, STS and MIC2 (which usually escape X chromosome inactivation) were expressed from the rec(X), whereas G6PD was not. Therefore, in the rec(X) X chromosome inactivation has spread through STS and MIC2 leaving these loci unaffected and has inactivated G6PD in the absence of an inactivation center in the q26.3----qter region of the human X chromosome. The mechanism of spreading of inactivation appears to operate in a sequence-specific fashion. Alternatively, STS and MIC2 may have undergone inactivation initially but could not be maintained in an inactive state.

Physical mapping of genes and sequences at the end of the human X chromosome short arm

Human-rodent somatic cell hybrids containing deleted and translocated human X chromosomes have been used to map genes and sequences in and around the pseudoautosomal region. The following order was found: (DXS69, DXS70, DXS143)-(DXS31, STS)-MIC2. This order is consistent with the known inheritance patterns of DXS31, STS and MIC2. Assuming that the translocations and deletions we have studied are not complex rearrangements, we conclude that the pseudoautosomal region consists of less than 5 X 10(6) bp of DNA.

Recombination between the X and Y chromosomes: implications for the relationship between MIC2, XG and YG

Three loci affect the levels of expression of the 12E7 antigen on red blood cells: MIC2, the pseudoautosomal structural gene for the 12E7 antigen; XG, an X-linked red cell blood group locus and YG, a polymorphic Y-linked locus. In this report we describe recombination between XG and MIC2 and an exchange between the X and Y chromosomes which included YG. These results have prompted us to propose a new model describing the genetic relationship between the XGa and 12E7 antigens.

Localisation of Y chromosome sequences in normal and 'XX' males

Three unique sequences derived from the Y chromosome have been mapped within the human genome. A Y specific sequence DYS20 is localised to Yq11.2. DXYS25 and DXYS27 are both X-Y homologous sequences which map to the Y short arm and to Xq21. DXYS25 maps more distally than DXYS27, on the Y short arm and on the X long arm. Y specific restriction fragments for these two sequences are shown to be present in the genome of two XX males, and an aberrant signal for DXYS25 is demonstrated at the tip of an X chromosome short arm in one XX male by in situ hybridisation. The implications of these findings for the location of the testis determining factor are discussed.

H-Y typing by ELISA in a 46,X,dic(Y)(q11.2101) male: effects of a nonmosaic Yp duplication

A new ELISA was used to measure H-Y antigen in cultured fibroblasts from a male with 46,X,dic(Y)(q11.2101) involving duplication of Yp. Aliquots of monoclonal H-Y antibody were absorbed with 1, 2, 4, or 8 X 10(6) cells from the 46,X,dic(Y) male, or with corresponding numbers of cells from a normal XY male and a normal XX female, and then were tested for residual activity against a soluble antigen source. Portions of the antibody absorbed with cells of the 46,X,dic(Y) male were found to be less reactive than portions absorbed with cells of the normal XY male, for all numbers of cells and both dilutions of plated antigen. The results, quantified in an electronic optical density reader, imply presence of excessive H-Y in cells of the 46,X,dic(Y) male, and suggest presence of a genetic determinant of H-Y on Yp or proximal Yq near the centromere.

High frequency of unequal recombination in pseudoautosomal region shown by proviral insertion in transgenic mouse

The mammalian X and Y chromosomes, in contrast to the autosomes, pair during male meiosis only near the telomeres. Alleles localized in this region can undergo reciprocal exchange during meiosis. Because such sequences do not show strict sex-linked inheritance, they have been termed pseudoautosomal. In man, several DNA sequences have been described which show pseudoautosomal transmission and which are localized in the pairing region at the ends of the short arms of both the X and Y chromosomes (refs 6-9, and D. Page, unpublished results). We now show that the transgenic mouse strain, Mov-15, contains a single Moloney murine leukaemia virus (M-MuLV) genome in its germline, and genetic evidence indicates that the provirus is integrated into the pseudoautosomal region of the sex chromosome. Proviral copies are lost or gained in 7% of male meioses in this strain, and mouse sequences flanking the provirus are tandemly repeated and highly variable. We conclude that unequal recombination events occur with high frequency in the pairing region, possibly because of the presence of repeated sequences.

Amplification of human argininosuccinate synthetase pseudogenes

The human genome contains multiple pseudogenes for an argininosuccinate synthetase (AS) gene. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of generation and dispersion, complete nucleotide sequences of four different AS pseudogenes, psi AS-Y, psi AS-A1, psi AS-A2 and psi AS-A3, have been determined. A comparison of these sequences with those of three reported AS pseudogenes, psi AS-1, psi AS-3 and psi AS-7 revealed that two pairs, psi AS-Y/psi AS-7 and psi AS-A3/psi AS-1, are highly homologous but not identical, thereby suggesting that one of the pairs is generated by a duplication of the other member of the pairs. The psi AS-Y, which is probably located on chromosome Y, and the partially sequenced psi AS-7 are both interrupted by an Alu element at exactly the same site in their 3'-end regions. These two Alu elements are located in an opposite orientation relative to the direction of transcription of the pseudogene, and their possible role on pseudogene dispersion was examined. The psi AS-A1 is also accompanied by an Alu element at its 3' end. In this case, the orientation of the Alu element is the same as that of the pseudogene. The psi AS-A1 and the Alu element are flanked with direct repeats, as if they had been inserted into a chromosomal site, as a single unit.

A pseudoautosomal gene in man

The X/Y homologous gene MIC2 was shown to exchange between the sex chromosomes, thus demonstrating that it is a pseudoautosomal gene in man. MIC2 recombines with the sex-determining gene(s) TDF at a frequency of 2 to 3 percent. It is the most proximal pseudoautosomal locus thus far described and as such is an important marker for use in studies directed towards the isolation of TDF.

Small deletions of the short arm of the Y chromosome in 46,XY females

Structural anomalies of the sex chromosomes provide a means to study the location of genes responsible for sex determination. Recently, a type of sex reversal in humans, the 46,XX male, was shown to result in some cases from translocation of Y chromosome material to the X chromosome. In the present report, another type of sex reversal, the 46,XY female, is shown to result, in two cases, from small deletions of the short arm of the Y chromosome. Prometaphase chromosome analysis showed a 46,X,Yp- karyotype. Several Y chromosome-specific DNA probes were found to be deleted in the two female patients. DNA analysis showed that the two deletions were different but included a common overlapping region likely to be essential for male determination.

Construction, analysis, and application to 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis of a recombinant phage DNA library from flow-sorted human Y chromosomes

The analysis of a recombinant human Y-enriched Hind III total digest phage library prepared from the DNA of flow sorted human Y chromosomes is described. Out of 43 phage inserts from the library thus far mapped, 25 revealed hybridization with Y chromosomal DNA. These inserts may be divided into five groups according to their degree of Y specific hybridization: inserts that hybridize with one single copy or slightly repeated Y-specific DNA sequence, Y-specific repeated sequences of various restriction fragment lengths, Y-chromosomal DNA sequence(s) shared by a sequence on the X and/or on autosomes, Y-specific DNA sequences in addition to multiple X and/or autosomal sequences, or Y-specific repeated DNA in addition to multiple X and/or autosomal sequences. Application of probes from this library for diagnostic purposes is shown in two 46,XY patients with gonadal dysgenesis and small deletions of the Y short arm.

Deletion mapping of the testis determining locus with DNA probes in 46,XX males and in 46,XY and 46,X,dic(Y) females

Eleven Y-specific DNA probes hybridizing with DNA from one or more 46,XX males were isolated from a recombinant phage DNA library constructed from flow sorted human Y chromosomes. Two probes hybridized with DNA from nine out of eleven, i.e. greater than 80% of these 46,XX males. The relative frequency of hybridization of the probes in the 46,XX males and in a 46,X,dic(Y) female, together with in situ hybridization data, allowed mapping of the probes on Yp in relation to a putative testis determining locus. Several of those probes were also absent in a 46,XY female, further refining a model for ordering the probes on Yp. The DNA of one XX male hybridized both with probes from Yp and probes from proximal Yq (excluding the pericentral region). This suggests that complex translocations may occur into the DNA of 46,XX males that involve not only parts of Yp but also parts of Yq.

Chromosome Y-specific DNA is transferred to the short arm of X chromosome in human XX males

Y-chromosomal DNA is present in the genomes of most human XX males. In these cases, maleness is probably due to the presence of the Y-encoded testis-determining factor (TDF). By means of in situ hybridization of a probe (pDP105) detecting Y-specific DNA to metaphases from three XX males, it was demonstrated that the Y DNA is located on the tip of the short arm of an X chromosome. This finding supports the hypothesis that XX maleness is frequently the result of transfer of Y DNA, including TDF, to a paternally derived X chromosome.

Regional assignment of Y-linked DNA probes by deletion mapping and their homology with X-chromosome and autosomal sequences

A series of Y recombinants have been isolated from Y-specific DNA libraries and regionally located on the Y chromosome using a Y deletion panel constructed from individuals carrying structural abnormalities of the Y chromosome. Of twenty recombinants examined twelve have been assigned to Yp and eight to Yq. Five of the Yp recombinants map between Yp11.2 and Ypter and one can only be assigned to Yp. Of the former, four detect homologies on the X chromosome between Xq13 and Xq24 and the latter one between Xp22.3 and Xpter. The sixth recombinant detects autosomal homologous sequences. The six remaining Yp probes are located between Ycen and Yp11.2. One of these detects a homology on the X chromosome at Xq13-Xq24 and a series of autosomal sequences, two detect uniquely Y-specific sequences and three a complex pattern of autosomal homologies. The remaining eight recombinants have been assigned to three intervals on Yq. Of three recombinants located between Ycen and Yq11.21 two detect only Y sequences and one additional autosomal homologies. Two recombinants lie in the interval Yq11.21-Yq11-22, one of which detects only Y sequences and the other an Xp homology between Xp22.3 and Xpter. Finally, the three remaining Yq recombinants all detect autosomal homologies and are located between Yq11.22 and Yq12. The divergence between homologies on different chromosomes has been examined for three recombinants by washing Southern Blots at different levels of stringency. Additionally, Southern analysis of DNA from flow sorted chromosomes has been used to identify autosomes carrying homologies to two of the Y recombinants.

A gradient of sex linkage in the pseudoautosomal region of the human sex chromosomes

Three independent pseudoautosomal loci are linked to sex determination at frequencies which define a gradient of linkage. The segregation patterns of these loci indicate that X/Y recombination results from a single obligatory meiotic crossing-over in the pseudoautosomal region. Recombination in male germ cells in the terminal regions of the short arms of the X and Y chromosomes in 10-fold greater than between the same regions of the X chromosomes in female germ cells.