Sex determination in goat by amplification of the HMG box using duplex PCR

The objective of this study was to obtain a fast, accurate and reliable method of determining the sex of goat embryos prior to implantation through amplification of the high-motility-group (HMG) box of the sex-determining region of the Y chromosome (SRY) gene of the goats. Goat specific primers were designed for duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). As an internal control gene, the goat beta-action gene sequence was simultaneously amplified together with the HMG box of goat SRY gene. Males showed both 1 SRY band and 1 beta-action band, but only 1 beta-action band was present in the agarose gel electrophoresis of females. The result indicated that the goat HMG-box sequence motif of SRY was male specific. Afterward, the optimized PCR procedure was applied in 30 embryo biopsies and the biopsied embryos were transferred into 30 recipient female goats. The sex of the 13 kids proved anatomically corresponded to the sex determined by PCR (100% accuracy). Thus, this study showed that this duplex PCR method can be applied to sex the goat pre-implantation embryos and to manipulate the sex ratio of offspring in goat breeding programs.     

Sexing of in vitro produced ovine embryos by duplex PCR

The aim of this article was to develop a fast and easy duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, for sex determination of ovine in vitro produced embryos prior to implantation. We tested the approach with 107 samples of autosomal cells (oviductal sheep cells and male lamb fibroblasts), divided into three groups for each sex according to the number of cells employed (30, 5, 2, respectively). We then used the test on 21 embryos at blastocyst stage. On the same day the embryos were transferred in pairs into 11 recipient synchronized ewes. The PCR utilized two different sets of primers: the first pair recognized a bovine Y-chromosome-specific sequence (SRY), that showed 100% homology with the corresponding sequence of the ovine Y-chromosome and is amplified in males only. The second pair recognized the bovine 1.715 satellite DNA (SAT) which was amplified in all ovine samples but, when submitted to the GenBank database did not show homology with any of the reported ovine sequences. However, after sequencing, ovine amplification product showed 98% homology with the bovine specific satellite sequence. The autosomal samples were amplified with 85.0% efficiency and 91.2% accuracy, while amplification was successful with all 21 embryos (100% efficiency). Eight lambs were born and the sex as determined by PCR corresponded to the anatomical sex in seven (87.5% accuracy). These results confirm that this method can be applied in ovine breeding programs to manipulate sex ratio of offspring.     

水牛SRY基因的克隆及序列分析

根据荷斯坦牛SRY基因设计一对引物,采用聚合酶链式反应（PCR）技术,以中国沼泽型水牛（Swamp Buffalo）基因组DNA为模板,扩增得到SRY（Sex Deterimation region of Y chromosome）全序列约2005bp,其中1-504bp为5’启动子区,1196-2005bp为3’侧翼序列,在505-1195bp为SRY的外显子,编码229个氨基酸。在SRY HMG box区域设计探针,用地高辛标记后分别与雄性、雌性水牛基因组DNA进行Southern 杂交,结果显示该段序列只在雄性DNA样本中有杂交信号,证明SRY基因为雄性特异。BLAST比对结果显示与牛属动物SRY基因的同源性为96％,其中SRY基因HMG box区域同源性高达99%,说明SRY基因具有高度的进化保守性     

Cloning the swamp buffalo SRY gene for embryo sexing with multiplex-nested PCR

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an efficient method for sexing embryos. The objective of this study was to develop an accurate and reliable method for sexing swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) embryos. The SRY gene from swamp buffalo genomic DNA was amplified by PCR, using primers based on the sequence of the Holstein SRY gene. This fragment was sequenced based on a BLAST search; the SRY gene was highly conserved. Using a Southern blot, there was a strong signal in genomic DNA only from male swamp buffalo. Two pairs of nested primers, targeted to amplify the swamp buffalo SRY conserved region, were designed for sex identification. Simultaneously, the G3PDH gene was co-amplified to serve as an internal control. A multiplex-nested PCR system was optimized by varying the following individually: concentrations of Mg(2+) and dNTPs, ratio of concentrations of primers and numbers of cycles. Biopsies of 27 IVF-derived embryos and 24 embryos fertilized with Y-chromosome-bearing sperm were examined. Using optimized procedures, clear signals following PCR amplification were obtained from all embryo samples; PCR amplification accuracy was further verified by comparing PCR and dot blots. We concluded that this PCR technique was highly reliable for sexing swamp buffalo embryos.     

Related function of mouse SOX3, SOX9, and SRY HMG domains assayed by male sex determination

Sox genes encode proteins related to each other, and to the sex determining gene Sry, by the presence of a DNA binding motif known as the HMG domain. Although HMG domains can bind to related DNA sequences, Sox gene products may achieve target gene specificity by binding to preferred target sequences or by interacting with specific partner proteins. To assess their functional similarities, we replaced the HMG box of Sry with the HMG box of Sox3 or Sox9 and tested whether these constructs caused sex reversal in XX mice. Our results indicate that such chimeric transgenes can functionally replace Sry and elicit development of testis cords, male patterns of gene expression, and elaboration of male secondary sexual characteristics. This implies that chimeric SRY proteins with SOX HMG domains can bind to and regulate SRY target genes and that potential SRY partner factor interactions are not disrupted by HMG domain substitutions. genesis 28:111-124, 2000.     

Mutational analysis of SRY: nonsense and missense mutations in XY sex reversal

Summary XY females (n=17) were analysed for mutations in SRY (sex-determining region Y gene), a gene that has recently been equated with the testis determining factor (TDF). SRY sequences were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analysed by both the single strand conformational polymorphism assay (SSCP) and DNA sequencing. The DNA from two individuals gave altered SSCP patterns; only these two individuals showed any DNA sequence variation. In both cases, a single base change was found, one altering a tryptophan codon to a stop codon, the other causing a glycine to arginine amino acid substitution. These substitutions lie in the high mobility group (HMG)-related box of the SRY protein, a potential DNA-binding domain. The corresponding regions of DNA from the father of one individual and the paternal uncle of the other, were sequenced and found to be normal. Thus, in both cases, sex reversal is associated with de novo mutations in SRY. Combining this data with two previously published reports, a total of 40 XY females have now been analysed for mutations in SRY. The number of de novo mutations in SRY is now doubled to four, adding further strength to the argument that SRY is TDF.     

A novel double nucleotide substitution in the HMG box of the SRY gene associated with Swyer syndrome

We describe a novel double nucleotide substitution in the SRY gene of a 46,XY female with gonadal dysgenesis or Swyer syndrome. The SRY sequence was analysed by both the single-strand conformational polymorphism assay and direct DNA sequencing of products from the polymerase chain reaction. A double nucleotide substitution was identified at codon 18 of the conserved HMG box motif, causing an arginine to asparagine amino-acid substitution. The altered residue is situated in the high mobility group (HMG)-related box of the SRY protein, a potential DNA-binding domain. Since the mutation abolishes one HhaI recognition site, the results were confirmed by HhaI restriction mapping. No other mutations were found in the remaining regions of the gene. The corresponding DNA region from the patient’s brother was analysed and found to be normal. We conclude that the SRY mutation in the reported XY female occurred de novo and is associated with sex reversal. Received: 16 December 1996 / Accepted: 5 May 1997     

46,XY女性性反转患者SRY基因的两个新突变类型

Y染色体上的性别决定区域——SRY基因作为睾丸决定因子,可以调控男性性别发育过程。SRY基因是一种转录因子,属于带有高迁移率族蛋白家族,该家族成员包含能与DNA结合的HMG盒基序。已知SRY基因的缺失和点突变是造成XY女性性反转的病因之一。通过筛查10位中国46,XY女性性反转病人SRY基因的开放阅读框区域,探寻新的突变类型。用标准方法从外周血中抽提gDNA,通过聚合酶链式反应扩增SRY基因中部的609bp的DNA片段。扩增后的PCR片段被克隆到pUCm-T载体中,在ABI377-3自动测序仪上完成测序。运用限制性内切酶酶切分析的方法验证DNA测序的结果。结果表明,在两个患者的SRY基因中分别发现了新的核苷酸点突变,并都导致氨基酸替代。一个突变发生在SRY基因的5’端HMG盒外的核苷酸第113位腺嘌呤(A)被鸟嘌呤(G)取代,并导致谷氨酸被甘氨酸替换;另一个突变是第387位核苷酸发生T被A替换,该突变引起第129位的酪氨酸变成终止密码,她父亲的SRY序列被证明是正常的野生型。通过查询文献和人类基因突变数据库(HGMD),这两个突变都是以前未见报道过的新型SRY基因突变,并使因核苷酸替换引起SRY基因突变总数增加到45。     

A new primer set for sex identification in the genus Sorex (Soricidae,Insectivora)

In order to develop a new accurate method for sexing in Sorex species (Soricidae, Insectivora), we synthesized a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer set to amplify a part of Sry HMG box in the long‐clawed shrew, Sorex unguiculatus. When the primers were applied to the samples of known sex, PCR products were successfully obtained for males as a clear, single band on 3% agarose gels after electrophoresis in Sorex unguiculatus and five other Sorex species, but not for females of these six species. Thus, PCR amplification using the primer set may be applicable to discern sex in the six Sorex species.     

A novel missense mutation (S18N) in the 5′ non-HMG box region of the SRY gene in a patient with partial gonadal dysgenesis and his normal male relatives

Mutations in the sex-determining region of the Y chromosome (the SRY gene) have been reported in low frequency in patients with 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis. We investigated 21 Brazilian 46,XY sex-reversed patients, who presented either complete or partial gonadal dysgenesis or embryonic testicular regression syndrome. Using Southern blotting, polymerase chain reaction, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and direct sequencing, we analyzed deletions and point mutations in the SRY gene. We found a missense mutation at codon 18 upstream of the 5′ border of the HMG box of the SRY gene in one patient with partial gonadal dysgenesis. This variant sequence was also found in DNA obtained from blood and sperm cells of his father and in blood cells of his normal brother. The S18N mutation was not found in 50 normal males, ruling out the possibility of a common polymorphism. We identified a novel familial missense mutation (S18N) in the 5’ non-HMG box of the SRY gene in 1 of 21 patients with 46,XY sex reversal. Received: 6 May 1997 / Accepted: 2 October 1997     

XY gonadal dysgenesis and gonadoblastoma: a study in two sisters with a cryptic deletion of the Y chromosome involving the SRY gene

This paper reports a case of XY gonadal dysgenesis in two sisters. Both patients presented an eunochoid female phenotype with normal external genitalia. At laparotomy, the elder sister was found to have bilateral gonadoblastoma. Cytogenetic studies, which included G and C banding and in situ hybridization, showed that the patients had an apparently normal 46, XY karyotype. PCR analyses revealed absence of the conserved portion (HMG box) of the SRY gene and of the Y chromosome pseudoautosomal boundary region sequence in both patients. The presence of the ZFY sequence was detected by Southern hybridization in the two affected sisters. The patients' father (46, XY, no mosaicism detected in peripheral blood lymphocytes) was positive for SRY and ZFY sequences. The occurrence of gonadoblastoma is discussed in terms of the genetic factors that may lead to tumor development.     

SOX14 is a candidate gene for limb defects associated with BPES and Möbius syndrome

Members of the SOX gene family encode proteins with homology to the HMG box DNA-binding domain of SRY, the Y-linked testis-determining gene. SOX genes are expressed during embryogenesis and are involved in the development of a wide range of different tissues. Mutations in SRY, SOX9 and SOX10 have been shown to be responsible for XY sex reversal, campomelic dysplasia and Waardenburg-Hirschsprung disease, respectively. It is likely that mutations in other SOX genes are responsible for a variety of human genetic diseases. SOX14 has been identified from a human genomic library and the mouse and chicken sequences obtained by polymerase chain reaction amplification. The SOX14 amino acid sequence is highly conserved across these species, suggesting an important role for this protein in vertebrate development. SOX14 is expressed in the neural tube and apical ectodermal ridge of the developing chicken limb. This is the only SOX gene known to be expressed in the apical ectodermal ridge, a structure that directs outgrowth of the embryonic limb bud. Human SOX14 is localised to a 1.15-Mb yeast artificial chromosome on chromosome 3q23, close to loci for BPES (blepharophimosis, ptosis, epicanthus inversus syndrome) and Mobius syndrome. Although SOX14 maps outside these loci, its expression pattern and chromosomal localisation suggest that it is a candidate gene for the limb defects frequently associated with these syndromes.     

A familial mutation in the testis-determining gene SRY shared by both sexes

A familial mutation in SRY, the gene coding for the testis-determining factor TDF, was identified in an XY female with gonadal dysgenesis, her father, her two brothers and her uncle. The mutation consists of a T to C transition in the region of the SRY gene coding for a protein motif known as the high mobility group (HMG) box, a protein domain known to confer DNA-binding specificity on the SRY protein. This point mutation results in the substitution, at amino acid position 109, of a serine residue for phenylalanine, a conserved aromatic residue in almost all HMG box motifs known. This F109S mutation was not found in 176 male controls. When recombinant wildtype SRY and SRY^F109S mutant protein were tested in vitro for binding to the target site AAC AAAG, no differences in DNA-binding activity were observed. These results imply that the F109S mutation either is a rare neutral sequence variant, or produces an SRY protein with slightly altered in vivo activity, the resulting sex phenotype depending on the genetic back-ground or environmental factors.This paper is dedicated by G. S. to Professor Ulrich Wolf on the occasion of his 60th birthday     

池蝶蚌Sox2 基因在不同组织及不同月龄精巢中的表达

Sox 基因家族在胚胎发育过程和性别分化中起重要作用, 为研究池蝶蚌中Sox 基因的功能, 以人SRY基因HMG-box 保守区的序列设计简并引物, 以雌、雄池蝶蚌基因组DNA 和精巢cDNA 为模板进行扩增, 获得了2 个不完全相同的序列, 分别为DNA-HMG1、DNA-HMG2 和cDNA-HMG, 长度均为220 bp, 编码73个氨基酸。与人等物种Sox1、Sox2、Sox3 及Sox14 有很高的同源性, 雌雄个体之间没有序列差异性。采用RACE-PCR 扩增获得了池蝶蚌性腺Sox2 部分cDNA 片段, 长度为1774 bp, 该序列核苷酸与欧洲帽贝的SoxB和人类的Sox2 的同源性最高; 在部分开放阅读框249 个氨基酸残基中, 具有Sox 家族典型的HMG-box 结构域, 与人类、小鼠、原鸡和斑马鱼等Sox2 的HMG-box 同源性为98%。为了解该基因在各组织中的表达情况,采用实时荧光定量PCR 方法分析了外套膜、闭壳肌、鳃、肠、肝、肾、精巢和卵巢在内的8 种组织hs-Sox2的表达情况, 结果显示, hs-Sox2 基因在8 种组织中均有表达, 其中在肾脏中的表达量最高, 其次是肠与闭壳肌, 在雄性性腺中的表达量明显高于雌性性腺, 在肝脏中的表达量最低; 为了解hs-Sox2 在不同性腺发育时期的表达情况, 采用实时荧光定量PCR 方法分析了5 个不同月龄的精巢组织中hs-Sox2 的表达情况, 结果显示在39 月龄性腺的表达量最高, 其次是16 月龄性腺, 63 月龄蚌中的表达量最少。以上结果表明, hs-Sox2 基因可能参与了池蝶蚌精巢的发育及功能的维持。       

Gender determination in single bovine blastomeres by polymerase chain reaction amplification of sex-specific polymorphic fragments in the amelogenin gene.

A sensitive technique for the sexing of bovine embryos was developed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the bovine amelogenin (bAML) gene on the X- and Y-chromosomes of Holstein dairy cattle. Cloning and DNA sequencing showed a 45.1% homology between the fifth intron of the bAML-X and bAML-Y gene with multiple deletions. A pair of sex-specific primers was designed to allow amplification of a single fragment of 467-bp from the X-chromosome of female cattle and two fragments of 467-bp and 341-bp from the X- and Y-chromosomes of male cattle. The primers were successfully applied to bovine sexing from single blastomeres isolated from day-6 to day-7 cow embryos by direct cell lysis and PCR. Our protocol of embryo sexing should be applicable to the diagnosis of defective genes in vitro in human embryos and in other domestic or recreational animals.     

乌龟Sox gene的PCR扩增及其条件

参照人SRY gene HMG-box保守区的序列,设计一对引物,扩增了乌龟的Sox gene,并对扩增条件进行了优化。结果显示乌龟Sox gene的扩增片段与人SRY gene扩增片段大小相同,为220bp左右,且雌雄个体间无差异;最佳扩增条件为：Mg^2 2.0mM、dNTP120μM、引物0.3μM及退火温度52℃。本研究为探索乌龟的性别决定机制以及Sox gene进货的保守性提供分子资料。