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Makova KD, Pickett BD, Harris RS, Hartley GA, Cechova M, Pal K, Nurk S, Yoo D, Li Q, Hebbar P, McGrath BC, Antonacci F, Aubel M, Biddanda A, Borchers M, Bomberg E, Bouffard GG, Brooks SY, Carbone L, Carrel L, Carroll A, Chang PC, Chin CS, Cook DE, Craig SJ, de Gennaro L, Diekhans M, Dutra A, Garcia GH, Grady PG, Green RE, Haddad D, Hallast P, Harvey WT, Hickey G, Hillis DA, Hoyt SJ, Jeong H, Kamali K, Kosakovsky Pond SL, LaPolice TM, Lee C, Lewis AP, Loh YHE, Masterson P, McCoy RC, Medvedev P, Miga KH, Munson KM, Pak E, Paten B, Pinto BJ, Potapova T, Rhie A, Rocha JL, Ryabov F, Ryder OA, Sacco S, Shafin K, Shepelev VA, Slon V, Solar SJ, Storer JM, Sudmant PH, Sweetalana, Sweeten A, Tassia MG, Thibaud-Nissen F, Ventura M, Wilson MA, Young AC, Zeng H, Zhang X, Szpiech ZA, Huber CD, Gerton JL, Yi SV, Schatz MC, Alexandrov IA, Koren S, O’Neill RJ, Eichler E, Phillippy AM. The Complete Sequence and Comparative Analysis of Ape Sex Chromosomes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.30.569198. [PMID: 38077089 PMCID: PMC10705393 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.30.569198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Apes possess two sex chromosomes-the male-specific Y and the X shared by males and females. The Y chromosome is crucial for male reproduction, with deletions linked to infertility. The X chromosome carries genes vital for reproduction and cognition. Variation in mating patterns and brain function among great apes suggests corresponding differences in their sex chromosome structure and evolution. However, due to their highly repetitive nature and incomplete reference assemblies, ape sex chromosomes have been challenging to study. Here, using the state-of-the-art experimental and computational methods developed for the telomere-to-telomere (T2T) human genome, we produced gapless, complete assemblies of the X and Y chromosomes for five great apes (chimpanzee, bonobo, gorilla, Bornean and Sumatran orangutans) and a lesser ape, the siamang gibbon. These assemblies completely resolved ampliconic, palindromic, and satellite sequences, including the entire centromeres, allowing us to untangle the intricacies of ape sex chromosome evolution. We found that, compared to the X, ape Y chromosomes vary greatly in size and have low alignability and high levels of structural rearrangements. This divergence on the Y arises from the accumulation of lineage-specific ampliconic regions and palindromes (which are shared more broadly among species on the X) and from the abundance of transposable elements and satellites (which have a lower representation on the X). Our analysis of Y chromosome genes revealed lineage-specific expansions of multi-copy gene families and signatures of purifying selection. In summary, the Y exhibits dynamic evolution, while the X is more stable. Finally, mapping short-read sequencing data from >100 great ape individuals revealed the patterns of diversity and selection on their sex chromosomes, demonstrating the utility of these reference assemblies for studies of great ape evolution. These complete sex chromosome assemblies are expected to further inform conservation genetics of nonhuman apes, all of which are endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brandon D. Pickett
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Monika Cechova
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Karol Pal
- Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Sergey Nurk
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - DongAhn Yoo
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Qiuhui Li
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Prajna Hebbar
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Erich Bomberg
- University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- MPI for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gerard G. Bouffard
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shelise Y. Brooks
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lucia Carbone
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Laura Carrel
- Penn State University School of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Chen-Shan Chin
- Foundation of Biological Data Sciences, Belmont, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mark Diekhans
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Amalia Dutra
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gage H. Garcia
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Diana Haddad
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Pille Hallast
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | - Glenn Hickey
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - David A. Hillis
- University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | | | - Hyeonsoo Jeong
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Charles Lee
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Patrick Masterson
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Karen H. Miga
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | - Evgenia Pak
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Benedict Paten
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Arang Rhie
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Fedor Ryabov
- Masters Program in National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Samuel Sacco
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Steven J. Solar
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Sweetalana
- Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Alex Sweeten
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Françoise Thibaud-Nissen
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Alice C. Young
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Xinru Zhang
- Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Soojin V. Yi
- University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Sergey Koren
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Evan Eichler
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Adam M. Phillippy
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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2
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Nafian Dehkordi S, Khani F, Hassani SN, Baharvand H, Soleimanpour-Lichaei HR, Salekdeh GH. The Contribution of Y Chromosome Genes to Spontaneous Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells into Embryoid Bodies In Vitro. CELL JOURNAL 2021; 23:40-50. [PMID: 33650819 PMCID: PMC7944136 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2021.7145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objective Sexual dimorphism in mammals can be described as subsequent transcriptional differences from their distinct sex chromosome complements. Following X inactivation in females, the Y chromosome is the major genetic difference between sexes. In this study, we used a male embryonic stem cell line (Royan H6) to identify the potential role of the male-specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY) during spontaneous differentiation into embryoid bodies (EBs) as a model of early embryonic development. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, RH6 cells were cultured on inactivated feeder layers and Matrigel. In a dynamic suspension system, aggregates were generated in the same size and were spontaneously differentiated into EBs. During differentiation, expression patterns of specific markers for three germ layers were compared with MSY genes. Results Spontaneous differentiation was determined by downregulation of pluripotent markers and upregulation of fourteen differentiation markers. Upregulation of the ectoderm markers was observed on days 4 and 16, whereas mesoderm markers were upregulated on the 8th day and endodermic markers on days 12-16. Mesoderm markers correlated with 8 MSY genes namely DDX3Y, RPS4Y1, KDM5D, TBL1Y, BCORP1, PRY, DAZ, and AMELY, which were classified as a mesoderm cluster. Endoderm markers were co-expressed with 7 MSY genes, i.e. ZFY, TSPY, PRORY, VCY, EIF1AY, USP9Y, and RPKY, which were grouped as an endoderm cluster. Finally, the ectoderm markers correlated with TXLNGY, NLGN4Y, PCDH11Y, TMSB4Y, UTY, RBMY1, and HSFY genes of the MSY, which were categorized as an ectoderm cluster. In contrast, 2 MSY genes, SRY and TGIF2LY, were more highly expressed in RH6 cells compared to EBs. Conclusion We found a significant correlation between spontaneous differentiation and upregulation of specific MSY genes. The expression alterations of MSY genes implied the potential responsibility of their gene co-expression clusters for EB differentiation. We suggest that these genes may play important roles in early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Nafian Dehkordi
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Khani
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Nafiseh Hassani
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Soleimanpour-Lichaei
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ghasem Hosseini Salekdeh
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Systems Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Karaj, Iran.,Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Male-Specific Long Noncoding RNA TTTY15 Inhibits Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Proliferation and Metastasis via TBX4. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143473. [PMID: 31311130 PMCID: PMC6678590 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gender affects cancer susceptibility. Currently, there are only a few studies on Y chromosome-linked long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and the potential association between lncRNAs and cancers in males has not been fully elucidated. Here, we examined the expression of testis-specific transcript Y-linked 15 (TTTY15) in 37 males with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and performed circular chromosome conformation capture with next-generation sequencing to determine the genomic interaction regions of the TTTY15 gene. Our results showed that the expression levels of TTTY15 were lower in NSCLC tissues. Lower TTTY15 expression levels were associated with Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) stage. A TTTY15 knockdown promoted malignant transformation of NSCLC cells. Based on the bioinformatics analysis of circular chromosome conformation capture data, we found that T-box transcription factor 4 (TBX4) may be a potential target gene of TTTY15. The RNA immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation results showed that TTTY15 may interact with DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A), and the TTTY15 knockdown increased the binding of DNMT3A to the TBX4 promoter. We concluded that low TTTY15 expression correlates with worse prognosis among patients with NSCLC. TTTY15 promotes TBX4 expression via DNMT3A-mediated regulation. The identification of lncRNAs encoded by male-specific genes may help to identify potential targets for NSCLC therapy.
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Graves JAM. Marsupial genomics meet marsupial reproduction. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 31:1181-1188. [PMID: 30482268 DOI: 10.1071/rd18234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We came from very different backgrounds, with different skills and interests. Marilyn Renfree was recognised as 'a giant of marsupial embryology'; I had spent my working life studying genes and chromosomes. We teamed up out of mutual respect (awe on my side) to form, with Des Cooper, the ARC Centre of Excellence in Kangaroo Genomics. This is the story of how our collaboration came to be, and what it has produced for our knowledge of some of the world's most remarkable animals.
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5
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Ji J, Qin Y, Wang R, Huang Z, Zhang Y, Zhou R, Song L, Ling X, Hu Z, Miao D, Shen H, Xia Y, Wang X, Lu C. Copy number gain of VCX, X-linked multi-copy gene, leads to cell proliferation and apoptosis during spermatogenesis. Oncotarget 2018; 7:78532-78540. [PMID: 27705943 PMCID: PMC5340235 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Male factor infertility affects one-sixth of couples worldwide, and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is one of the most severe forms. In recent years there has been increasing evidence to implicate the participation of X chromosome in the process of spermatogenesis. To uncover the roles of X-linked multi-copy genes in spermatogenesis, we performed systematic analysis of X-linked gene copy number variations (CNVs) and Y chromosome haplogrouping in 447 idiopathic NOA patients and 485 healthy controls. Interestingly, the frequency of individuals with abnormal level copy of Variable charge, X-linked (VCX) was significantly different between cases and controls after multiple test correction (p = 5.10 × 10−5). To discriminate the effect of gain/loss copies in these genes, we analyzed the frequency of X-linked multi-copy genes in subjects among subdivided groups. Our results demonstrated that individuals with increased copy numbers of Nuclear RNA export factor 2 (NXF2) (p = 9.21 × 10−8) and VCX (p = 1.97 × 10−4) conferred the risk of NOA. In vitro analysis demonstrated that increasing copy number of VCX could upregulate the gene expression and regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis. Our study establishes a robust association between the VCX CNVs and NOA risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Children Health Care, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yufeng Qin
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Rong Wang
- Research Center for Bone and Stem Cells, Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenyao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ran Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Song
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiufeng Ling
- Department of Children Health Care, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhibin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dengshun Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Research Center for Bone and Stem Cells, Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongbing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuncheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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6
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Molina E, Chew GS, Myers SA, Clarence EM, Eales JM, Tomaszewski M, Charchar FJ. A Novel Y-Specific Long Non-Coding RNA Associated with Cellular Lipid Accumulation in HepG2 cells and Atherosclerosis-related Genes. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16710. [PMID: 29196750 PMCID: PMC5711902 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17165-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing appreciation for the role of the human Y chromosome in phenotypic differences between the sexes in health and disease. Previous studies have shown that genetic variation within the Y chromosome is associated with cholesterol levels, which is an established risk factor for atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of coronary artery disease (CAD), a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, the exact mechanism and potential genes implicated are still unidentified. To date, Y chromosome-linked long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are poorly characterized and the potential link between these new regulatory RNA molecules and hepatic function in men has not been investigated. Advanced technologies of lncRNA subcellular localization and silencing were used to identify a novel intergenic Y-linked lncRNA, named lnc-KDM5D-4, and investigate its role in fatty liver-associated atherosclerosis. We found that lnc-KDM5D-4 is retained within the nucleus in hepatocytes. Its knockdown leads to changes in genes leading to increased lipid droplets formation in hepatocytes resulting in a downstream effect contributing to the chronic inflammatory process that underpin CAD. Our findings provide the first evidence for the implication of lnc-KDM5D-4 in key processes related to fatty liver and cellular inflammation associated with atherosclerosis and CAD in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Molina
- School of Applied and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University, Mount Helen Campus, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
| | - Guat S Chew
- School of Applied and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University, Mount Helen Campus, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen A Myers
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Newnham Campus, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Elyse M Clarence
- School of Applied and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University, Mount Helen Campus, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
| | - James M Eales
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Maciej Tomaszewski
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Fadi J Charchar
- School of Applied and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University, Mount Helen Campus, Ballarat, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
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7
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Chalopin D, Volff JN, Galiana D, Anderson JL, Schartl M. Transposable elements and early evolution of sex chromosomes in fish. Chromosome Res 2016; 23:545-60. [PMID: 26429387 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-015-9490-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In many organisms, the sex chromosome pair can be recognized due to heteromorphy; the Y and W chromosomes have often lost many genes due to the absence of recombination during meiosis and are frequently heterochromatic. Repetitive sequences are found at a high proportion on such heterochromatic sex chromosomes and the evolution and emergence of sex chromosomes has been connected to the dynamics of repeats and transposable elements. With an amazing plasticity of sex determination mechanisms and numerous instances of independent emergence of novel sex chromosomes, fish represent an excellent lineage to investigate the early stages of sex chromosome differentiation, where sex chromosomes often are homomorphic and not heterochromatic. We have analyzed the composition, distribution, and relative age of TEs from available sex chromosome sequences of seven teleost fish. We observed recent bursts of TEs and simple repeat accumulations around young sex determination loci. More strikingly, we detected transposable element (TE) amplifications not only on the sex determination regions of the Y and W sex chromosomes, but also on the corresponding regions of the X and Z chromosomes. In one species, we also clearly demonstrated that the observed TE-rich sex determination locus originated from a TE-poor genomic region, strengthening the link between TE accumulation and emergence of the sex determination locus. Altogether, our results highlight the role of TEs in the initial steps of differentiation and evolution of sex chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domitille Chalopin
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, CNRS UMR5242, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jean-Nicolas Volff
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, CNRS UMR5242, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Delphine Galiana
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, CNRS UMR5242, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jennifer L Anderson
- INRA, Fish Physiology and Genomics (UR1037), Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, France.,Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Manfred Schartl
- Department Physiological Chemistry, Biozentrum, University of Wuerzburg, and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Clinic Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
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8
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Coronary Artery Disease: Why We should Consider the Y Chromosome. Heart Lung Circ 2016; 25:791-801. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2015.12.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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9
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Bojang P, Ramos KS. Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level. J Vis Exp 2016. [PMID: 27167780 DOI: 10.3791/53753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Long interspersed nuclear element-1 (Line-1 or L1) accounts for approximately 17% of the DNA present in the human genome. While the majority of L1s are inactive due to 5' truncations, ~80-100 of these elements remain retrotransposition competent and propagate to different locations throughout the genome via RNA intermediates. While older L1s are believed to target AT rich regions of the genome, the chromosomal targets of newer, more active L1s remain poorly defined. Here we describe fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) methodology that can be used to track patterns of L1 insertion and rates of ectopic L1 incorporation at the single nucleus level. In these experiments, fluorescein isothiocyanate/cyanine-3 (FITC/CY3) labeled neomycin probes were employed to track L1 retrotransposition in vitro in HepG2 cells stably expressing ectopic L1. This methodology prevents errors in the estimation of rates of retrotransposition posed by toxicity and account for the occurrence of multiple insertions into a single nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasano Bojang
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine;
| | - Kenneth S Ramos
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine; Center for Applied Genetics and Genomic Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine;
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10
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Abstract
Intellectual disability is the most common developmental disorder characterized by a congenital limitation in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. It often co-occurs with other mental conditions like attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, and can be part of a malformation syndrome that affects other organs. Considering the heterogeneity of its causes (environmental and genetic), its frequency worldwide varies greatly. This review focuses on known genes underlying (syndromic and non-syndromic) intellectual disability, it provides a succinct analysis of their Gene Ontology, and it suggests the use of transcriptional profiling for the prioritization of candidate genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Chiurazzi
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Filomena Pirozzi
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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11
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Abstract
I present evidence that humans have evolved convergently to social insects with regard to a large suite of social, ecological, and reproductive phenotypes. Convergences between humans and social insects include: (1) groups with genetically and environmentally defined structures; (2) extensive divisions of labor; (3) specialization of a relatively restricted set of females for reproduction, with enhanced fertility; (4) extensive extramaternal care; (5) within-group food sharing; (6) generalized diets composed of high-nutrient-density food; (7) solicitous juveniles, but high rates of infanticide; (8) ecological dominance; (9) enhanced colonizing abilities; and (10) collective, cooperative decision-making. Most of these convergent phenotypic adaptations stem from reorganization of key life-history trade-offs due to behavioral, physiological, and life-historical specializations. Despite their extensive socioreproductive overlap with social insects, humans differ with regard to the central aspect of eusociality: reproductive division of labor. This difference may be underpinned by the high energetic costs of producing offspring with large brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, V5A 1S6,
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12
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Cao PR, Wang L, Jiang YC, Yi YS, Qu F, Liu TC, Lv Y. De novo origin of VCY2 from autosome to Y-transposed amplicon. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119651. [PMID: 25799347 PMCID: PMC4370482 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of new genes is a primary driving force of evolution in all organisms. The de novo evolution of new genes from non-protein-coding genomic regions is emerging as an important additional mechanism for novel gene creation. Y chromosomes underlie sex determination in mammals and contain genes that are required for male-specific functions. In this study, a search was undertaken for Y chromosome de novo genes derived from non-protein-coding sequences. The Y chromosome orphan gene variable charge, Y-linked (VCY)2, is an autosome-derived gene that has sequence similarity to large autosomal fragments but lacks an autosomal protein-coding homolog. VCY2 locates in the amplicon containing long DNA fragments that were transposed from autosomes to the Y chromosome before the ape-monkey split. We confirmed that VCY2cannot be encoded by autosomes due to the presence of multiple disablers that disrupt the open reading frame, such as the absence of start or stop codons and the presence of premature stop codons. Similar observations have been made for homologs in the autosomes of the chimpanzee, gorilla, rhesus macaque, baboon and out-group marmoset, which suggests that there was a non-protein-coding ancestral VCY2 that was common to apes and monkeys that predated the transposition event. Furthermore, while protein-coding orthologs are absent, a putative non-protein-coding VCY2 with conserved disablers was identified in the rhesus macaque Y chromosome male-specific region. This finding implies that VCY2 might have not acquired its protein-coding ability before the ape-monkey split. VCY2 encodes a testis-specific expressed protein and is involved in the pathologic process of male infertility, and the acquisition of this gene might improve male fertility. This is the first evidence that de novo genes can be generated from transposed autosomal non-protein-coding segments, and this evidence provides novel insights into the evolutionary history of the Y chromosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Rong Cao
- Department of Epidemiology, Medical College of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Medical College of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu-Chao Jiang
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yin-Sha Yi
- Department of Epidemiology, Medical College of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Fang Qu
- Department of Epidemiology, Medical College of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Tao-Cheng Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Medical College of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuan Lv
- Department of Epidemiology, Medical College of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- * E-mail:
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13
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Veitia RA, Veyrunes F, Bottani S, Birchler JA. X chromosome inactivation and active X upregulation in therian mammals: facts, questions, and hypotheses. J Mol Cell Biol 2015; 7:2-11. [PMID: 25564545 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjv001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
X chromosome inactivation is a mechanism that modulates the expression of X-linked genes in eutherian females (XX). Ohno proposed that to achieve a proper balance between X-linked and autosomal genes, those on the active X should also undergo a 2-fold upregulation. Although some support for Ohno's hypothesis has been provided through the years, recent genomic studies testing this hypothesis have brought contradictory results and fueled debate. Thus far, there are as many results in favor as against Ohno's hypothesis, depending on the nature of the datasets and the various assumptions and thresholds involved in the analyses. However, they have confirmed the importance of dosage balance between X-linked and autosomal genes involved in stoichiometric relationships. These facts as well as questions and hypotheses are discussed below.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reiner A Veitia
- Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Veyrunes
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, CNRS/Université Montpellier II, Montpellier, France
| | - Samuel Bottani
- Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France Matière et Systèmes Complexes, Paris, France
| | - James A Birchler
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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14
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Cox KH, Bonthuis PJ, Rissman EF. Mouse model systems to study sex chromosome genes and behavior: relevance to humans. Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:405-19. [PMID: 24388960 PMCID: PMC4079771 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Sex chromosome genes directly influence sex differences in behavior. The discovery of the Sry gene on the Y chromosome (Gubbay et al., 1990; Koopman et al., 1990) substantiated the sex chromosome mechanistic link to sex differences. Moreover, the pronounced connection between X chromosome gene mutations and mental illness produces a strong sex bias in these diseases. Yet, the dominant explanation for sex differences continues to be the gonadal hormones. Here we review progress made on behavioral differences in mouse models that uncouple sex chromosome complement from gonadal sex. We conclude that many social and cognitive behaviors are modified by sex chromosome complement, and discuss the implications for human research. Future directions need to include identification of the genes involved and interactions with these genes and gonadal hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly H Cox
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and Program in Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States
| | - Paul J Bonthuis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and Program in Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States
| | - Emilie F Rissman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and Program in Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States.
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15
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A high resolution map of mammalian X chromosome fragile regions assessed by large-scale comparative genomics. Mamm Genome 2014; 25:618-35. [PMID: 25086724 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-014-9537-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal evolution involves multiple changes at structural and numerical levels. These changes, which are related to the variation of the gene number and their location, can be tracked by the identification of syntenic blocks (SB). First reports proposed that ~180-280 SB might be shared by mouse and human species. More recently, further studies including additional genomes have identified up to ~1,400 SB during the evolution of eutherian species. A considerable number of studies regarding the X chromosome's structure and evolution have been undertaken because of its extraordinary biological impact on reproductive fitness and speciation. Some have identified evolutionary breakpoint regions and fragile sites at specific locations in the human X chromosome. However, mapping these regions to date has involved using low-to-moderate resolution techniques. Such scenario might be related to underestimating their total number and giving an inaccurate location. The present study included using a combination of bioinformatics methods for identifying, at base-pair level, chromosomal rearrangements occurring during X chromosome evolution in 13 mammalian species. A comparative technique using four different algorithms was used for optimizing the detection of hotspot regions in the human X chromosome. We identified a significant interspecific variation in SB size which was related to genetic information gain regarding the human X chromosome. We found that human hotspot regions were enriched by LINE-1 and Alu transposable elements, which may have led to intraspecific chromosome rearrangement events. New fragile regions located in the human X chromosome have also been postulated. We estimate that the high resolution map of X chromosome fragile sites presented here constitutes useful data concerning future studies on mammalian evolution and human disease.
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16
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Bojang P, Anderton MJ, Roberts RA, Ramos KS. De novo LINE-1 retrotransposition in HepG2 cells preferentially targets gene poor regions of chromosome 13. Genomics 2014; 104:96-104. [PMID: 25043885 PMCID: PMC4157570 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Long interspersed nuclear elements (Line-1 or L1s) account for ~17% of the human genome. While the majority of human L1s are inactive, ~80-100 elements remain retrotransposition competent and mobilize through RNA intermediates to different locations within the genome. De novo insertions of L1s account for polymorphic variation of the human genome and disruption of target loci at their new location. In the present study, fluorescence in situ hybridization and DNA sequencing were used to characterize retrotransposition profiles of L1(RP) in cultured human HepG2 cells. While expression of synthetic L1(RP) was associated with full-length and truncated insertions throughout the entire genome, a strong preference for gene-poor regions, such as those found in chromosome 13 was observed for full-length insertions. These findings shed light into L1 targeting mechanisms within the human genome and question the putative randomness of L1 retrotransposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasano Bojang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Mark J Anderton
- Department of Toxicology Sciences, Safety Assessment, AstraZeneca R&D, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Ruth A Roberts
- Department of Toxicology Sciences, Safety Assessment, AstraZeneca R&D, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Kenneth S Ramos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; Center for Environmental Genomics and Integrative Biology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
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17
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Sex-Dependent Gene Expression in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cell Rep 2014; 8:923-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2012] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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18
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Na JK, Wang J, Ming R. Accumulation of interspersed and sex-specific repeats in the non-recombining region of papaya sex chromosomes. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:335. [PMID: 24885930 PMCID: PMC4035066 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The papaya Y chromosome has undergone a degenerative expansion from its ancestral autosome, as a consequence of recombination suppression in the sex determining region of the sex chromosomes. The non-recombining feature led to the accumulation of repetitive sequences in the male- or hermaphrodite-specific regions of the Y or the Yh chromosome (MSY or HSY). Therefore, repeat composition and distribution in the sex determining region of papaya sex chromosomes would be informative to understand how these repetitive sequences might be involved in the early stages of sex chromosome evolution. Results Detailed composition of interspersed, sex-specific, and tandem repeats was analyzed from 8.1 megabases (Mb) HSY and 5.3 Mb corresponding X chromosomal regions. Approximately 77% of the HSY and 64% of the corresponding X region were occupied by repetitive sequences. Ty3-gypsy retrotransposons were the most abundant interspersed repeats in both regions. Comparative analysis of repetitive sequences between the sex determining region of papaya X chromosome and orthologous autosomal sequences of Vasconcellea monoica, a close relative of papaya lacking sex chromosomes, revealed distinctive differences in the accumulation of Ty3-Gypsy, suggesting that the evolution of the papaya sex determining region may accompany Ty3-Gypsy element accumulation. In total, 21 sex-specific repeats were identified from the sex determining region; 20 from the HSY and one from the X. Interestingly, most HSY-specific repeats were detected in two regions where the HSY expansion occurred, suggesting that the HSY expansion may result in the accumulation of sex-specific repeats or that HSY-specific repeats might play an important role in the HSY expansion. The analysis of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) revealed that longer SSRs were less abundant in the papaya sex determining region than the other chromosomal regions. Conclusion Major repetitive elements were Ty3-gypsy retrotransposons in both the HSY and the corresponding X. Accumulation of Ty3-Gypsy retrotransposons in the sex determining region of papaya X chromosome was significantly higher than that in the corresponding region of V. monoica, suggesting that Ty3-Gypsy could be crucial for the expansion and evolution of the sex determining region in papaya. Most sex-specific repeats were located in the two HSY expansion regions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-335) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ray Ming
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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19
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Abstract
In mammals, the Y chromosome plays the pivotal role in male sex determination and is essential for normal sperm production. Yet only three Y chromosomes have been completely sequenced to date--those of human, chimpanzee, and rhesus macaque. While Y chromosomes are notoriously difficult to sequence owing to their highly repetitive genomic landscapes, these dedicated sequencing efforts have generated tremendous yields in medical, biological, and evolutionary insight. Knowledge of the complex structural organization of the human Y chromosome and a complete catalog of its gene content have provided a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that generate disease-causing mutations and large-scale rearrangements. Variation among human Y-chromosome sequences has been an invaluable tool for understanding relationships among human populations. Comprehensive comparisons of the human Y-chromosome sequence with those of other primates have illuminated aspects of Y-chromosome evolutionary dynamics over much longer timescales (>25 million years compared with 100,000 years). The future sequencing of additional Y chromosomes will provide a basis for a more comprehensive understanding of the evolution of Y chromosomes and their roles in reproductive biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer F Hughes
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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20
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Kim H, Lee T, Sung S, Lee C, Kim H. Reanalysis of Ohno's hypothesis on conservation of the size of the X chromosome in mammals. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2012.724709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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21
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Stouffs K, Lissens W. X chromosomal mutations and spermatogenic failure. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2012; 1822:1864-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2012.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2011] [Revised: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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22
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Lindsay J, Carone DM, Brown J, Hall L, Qureshi S, Mitchell SE, Jannetty N, Hannon G, Renfree M, Pask A, O'Neill M, O'Neill R. Unique small RNA signatures uncovered in the tammar wallaby genome. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:559. [PMID: 23075437 PMCID: PMC3576234 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Small RNAs have proven to be essential regulatory molecules encoded within eukaryotic genomes. These short RNAs participate in a diverse array of cellular processes including gene regulation, chromatin dynamics and genome defense. The tammar wallaby, a marsupial mammal, is a powerful comparative model for studying the evolution of regulatory networks. As part of the genome sequencing initiative for the tammar, we have explored the evolution of each of the major classes of mammalian small RNAs in an Australian marsupial for the first time, including the first genome-scale analysis of the newest class of small RNAs, centromere repeat associated short interacting RNAs (crasiRNAs). Results Using next generation sequencing, we have characterized the major classes of small RNAs, micro (mi) RNAs, piwi interacting (pi) RNAs, and the centromere repeat associated short interacting (crasi) RNAs in the tammar. We examined each of these small RNA classes with respect to the newly assembled tammar wallaby genome for gene and repeat features, salient features that define their canonical sequences, and the constitution of both highly conserved and species-specific members. Using a combination of miRNA hairpin predictions and co-mapping with miRBase entries, we identified a highly conserved cluster of miRNA genes on the X chromosome in the tammar and a total of 94 other predicted miRNA producing genes. Mapping all miRNAs to the tammar genome and comparing target genes among tammar, mouse and human, we identified 163 conserved target genes. An additional nine genes were identified in tammar that do not have an orthologous miRNA target in human and likely represent novel miRNA-regulated genes in the tammar. A survey of the tammar gonadal piRNAs shows that these small RNAs are enriched in retroelements and carry members from both marsupial and tammar-specific repeat classes. Lastly, this study includes the first in-depth analyses of the newly discovered crasiRNAs. These small RNAs are derived largely from centromere-enriched retroelements, including a novel SINE. Conclusions This study encompasses the first analyses of the major classes of small RNAs for the newly completed tammar genome, validates preliminary annotations using deep sequencing and computational approaches, and provides a foundation for future work on tammar-specific as well as conserved, but previously unknown small RNA progenitors and targets identified herein. The characterization of new miRNA target genes and a unique profile for crasiRNAs has allowed for insight into multiple RNA mediated processes in the tammar, including gene regulation, species incompatibilities, centromere and chromosome function.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Lindsay
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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23
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Charchar FJ, Bloomer LD, Barnes TA, Cowley MJ, Nelson CP, Wang Y, Denniff M, Debiec R, Christofidou P, Nankervis S, Dominiczak AF, Bani-Mustafa A, Balmforth AJ, Hall AS, Erdmann J, Cambien F, Deloukas P, Hengstenberg C, Packard C, Schunkert H, Ouwehand WH, Ford I, Goodall AH, Jobling MA, Samani NJ, Tomaszewski M. Inheritance of coronary artery disease in men: an analysis of the role of the Y chromosome. Lancet 2012; 379:915-922. [PMID: 22325189 PMCID: PMC3314981 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(11)61453-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A sexual dimorphism exists in the incidence and prevalence of coronary artery disease--men are more commonly affected than are age-matched women. We explored the role of the Y chromosome in coronary artery disease in the context of this sexual inequity. METHODS We genotyped 11 markers of the male-specific region of the Y chromosome in 3233 biologically unrelated British men from three cohorts: the British Heart Foundation Family Heart Study (BHF-FHS), West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study (WOSCOPS), and Cardiogenics Study. On the basis of this information, each Y chromosome was tracked back into one of 13 ancient lineages defined as haplogroups. We then examined associations between common Y chromosome haplogroups and the risk of coronary artery disease in cross-sectional BHF-FHS and prospective WOSCOPS. Finally, we undertook functional analysis of Y chromosome effects on monocyte and macrophage transcriptome in British men from the Cardiogenics Study. FINDINGS Of nine haplogroups identified, two (R1b1b2 and I) accounted for roughly 90% of the Y chromosome variants among British men. Carriers of haplogroup I had about a 50% higher age-adjusted risk of coronary artery disease than did men with other Y chromosome lineages in BHF-FHS (odds ratio 1·75, 95% CI 1·20-2·54, p=0·004), WOSCOPS (1·45, 1·08-1·95, p=0·012), and joint analysis of both populations (1·56, 1·24-1·97, p=0·0002). The association between haplogroup I and increased risk of coronary artery disease was independent of traditional cardiovascular and socioeconomic risk factors. Analysis of macrophage transcriptome in the Cardiogenics Study revealed that 19 molecular pathways showing strong differential expression between men with haplogroup I and other lineages of the Y chromosome were interconnected by common genes related to inflammation and immunity, and that some of them have a strong relevance to atherosclerosis. INTERPRETATION The human Y chromosome is associated with risk of coronary artery disease in men of European ancestry, possibly through interactions of immunity and inflammation. FUNDING British Heart Foundation; UK National Institute for Health Research; LEW Carty Charitable Fund; National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia; European Union 6th Framework Programme; Wellcome Trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi J Charchar
- School of Health Sciences, University of Ballarat, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
| | - Lisa Ds Bloomer
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Timothy A Barnes
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Mark J Cowley
- Peter Wills Bioinformatics Centre, Garvan Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher P Nelson
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK; National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Unit in Cardiovascular Disease, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Yanzhong Wang
- Division of Health and Social Care Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew Denniff
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Radoslaw Debiec
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Scott Nankervis
- School of Health Sciences, University of Ballarat, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna F Dominiczak
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ahmed Bani-Mustafa
- School of Health Sciences, University of Ballarat, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
| | - Anthony J Balmforth
- Division of Epidemiology, LIGHT, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Alistair S Hall
- Division of Epidemiology, LIGHT, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Francois Cambien
- INSERM UMRS 937, Pierre and Marie Curie University and Medical School, Paris, France
| | | | - Christian Hengstenberg
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Chris Packard
- College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, and Department of Vascular Biochemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Willem H Ouwehand
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge and National Health Service Blood and Transplant, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ian Ford
- Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alison H Goodall
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK; National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Unit in Cardiovascular Disease, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Mark A Jobling
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Nilesh J Samani
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK; National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Unit in Cardiovascular Disease, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Maciej Tomaszewski
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK; National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Unit in Cardiovascular Disease, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK.
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24
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Strict evolutionary conservation followed rapid gene loss on human and rhesus Y chromosomes. Nature 2012; 483:82-6. [PMID: 22367542 PMCID: PMC3292678 DOI: 10.1038/nature10843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The human X and Y chromosomes evolved from an ordinary pair of autosomes during the past 200–300 million years1–3. Due to genetic decay, the human MSY (male-specific region of Y chromosome) retains only three percent of the ancestral autosomes’ genes4,5. This evolutionary decay was driven by a series of five “stratification” events. Each event suppressed X-Y crossing over within a chromosome segment or “stratum”, incorporated that segment into the MSY, and subjected its genes to the erosive forces that attend the absence of crossing over2,6. The last of these events occurred 30 million years ago (mya), or 5 million years before the human and Old World monkey (OWM) lineages diverged. Although speculation abounds regarding ongoing decay and looming extinction of the human Y chromosome7–10, remarkably little is known about how many MSY genes were lost in the human lineage in the 25 million years that have followed its separation from the OWM lineage. To explore this question, we sequenced the MSY of the rhesus macaque, an OWM, and compared it to the human MSY. We discovered that, during the last 25 million years, MSY gene loss in the human lineage was limited to the youngest stratum (stratum 5), which comprises three percent of the human MSY. Within the older strata, which collectively comprise the bulk of the human MSY, gene loss evidently ceased more than 25 mya. Likewise, the rhesus MSY has not lost any older genes (from strata 1–4) during the past 25 million years, despite major structural differences from the human MSY. The rhesus MSY is simpler, with few amplified gene families or palindromes that might enable intrachromosomal recombination and repair. We present an empirical reconstruction of human MSY evolution in which each stratum transitioned from rapid, exponential loss of ancestral genes to strict conservation through purifying selection.
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25
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Li W, Wang X, Fan W, Zhao P, Chan YC, Chen S, Zhang S, Guo X, Zhang Y, Li Y, Cai J, Qin D, Li X, Yang J, Peng T, Zychlinski D, Hoffmann D, Zhang R, Deng K, Ng KM, Menten B, Zhong M, Wu J, Li Z, Chen Y, Schambach A, Tse HF, Pei D, Esteban MA. Modeling abnormal early development with induced pluripotent stem cells from aneuploid syndromes. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 21:32-45. [PMID: 21949351 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Many human diseases share a developmental origin that manifests during childhood or maturity. Aneuploid syndromes are caused by supernumerary or reduced number of chromosomes and represent an extreme example of developmental disease, as they have devastating consequences before and after birth. Investigating how alterations in gene dosage drive these conditions is relevant because it might help treat some clinical aspects. It may also provide explanations as to how quantitative differences in gene expression determine phenotypic diversity and disease susceptibility among natural populations. Here, we aimed to produce induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines that can be used to improve our understanding of aneuploid syndromes. We have generated iPSCs from monosomy X [Turner syndrome (TS)], trisomy 8 (Warkany syndrome 2), trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) and partial trisomy 11;22 (Emanuel syndrome), using either skin fibroblasts from affected individuals or amniocytes from antenatal diagnostic tests. These cell lines stably maintain the karyotype of the donors and behave like embryonic stem cells in all tested assays. TS iPSCs were used for further studies including global gene expression analysis and tissue-specific directed differentiation. Multiple clones displayed lower levels of the pseudoautosomal genes ASMTL and PPP2R3B than the controls. Moreover, they could be transformed into neural-like, hepatocyte-like and heart-like cells, but displayed insufficient up-regulation of the pseudoautosomal placental gene CSF2RA during embryoid body formation. These data support that abnormal organogenesis and early lethality in TS are not caused by a tissue-specific differentiation blockade, but rather involves other abnormalities including impaired placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Group, Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
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Cliffe KM, Day AE, Bagga M, Siggens K, Quilter CR, Lowden S, Finlayson HA, Palgrave CJ, Li N, Huang L, Blott SC, Sargent CA. Analysis of the non-recombining Y chromosome defines polymorphisms in domestic pig breeds: ancestral bases identified by comparative sequencing. Anim Genet 2011; 41:619-29. [PMID: 20477804 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2010.02070.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sequences from 20 amplicons representing nine different loci and 11369bp from the short arm of the pig Y chromosome were compared using pools of DNA from different European and Chinese breeds. A total of 33 polymorphic sites were identified, including five indels and 28 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Three high frequency SNPs within the coding regions of SRY were further analysed across 889 males representing 25 European and 25 Asian breeds or Lines, plus a European Line of Meishan. Two haplotypes seen to be associated with 'European' or 'Chinese' origin in the initial SNP discovery phase were found to be the most common in their respective groups of breeds in a more detailed genotyping study. Two further SRY haplotypes are relatively rare. One was found exclusively within Tamworth, at low frequency in Retinto, and in three Chinese breeds (Huai, Sahwutou and Xiaomeishan). The other uncommon haplotype is found exclusively in Bamajiang, two further Chinese breeds (Hangjiang Black and Longling) and two European rare breeds (Mangalica and Linderödssvin), but appears based on comparison with other suids to represent an ancestral sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Cliffe
- PIC Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, UK
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A computational approach to candidate gene prioritization for X-linked mental retardation using annotation-based binary filtering and motif-based linear discriminatory analysis. Biol Direct 2011; 6:30. [PMID: 21668950 PMCID: PMC3142252 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6150-6-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Several computational candidate gene selection and prioritization methods have recently been developed. These in silico selection and prioritization techniques are usually based on two central approaches - the examination of similarities to known disease genes and/or the evaluation of functional annotation of genes. Each of these approaches has its own caveats. Here we employ a previously described method of candidate gene prioritization based mainly on gene annotation, in accompaniment with a technique based on the evaluation of pertinent sequence motifs or signatures, in an attempt to refine the gene prioritization approach. We apply this approach to X-linked mental retardation (XLMR), a group of heterogeneous disorders for which some of the underlying genetics is known. Results The gene annotation-based binary filtering method yielded a ranked list of putative XLMR candidate genes with good plausibility of being associated with the development of mental retardation. In parallel, a motif finding approach based on linear discriminatory analysis (LDA) was employed to identify short sequence patterns that may discriminate XLMR from non-XLMR genes. High rates (>80%) of correct classification was achieved, suggesting that the identification of these motifs effectively captures genomic signals associated with XLMR vs. non-XLMR genes. The computational tools developed for the motif-based LDA is integrated into the freely available genomic analysis portal Galaxy (http://main.g2.bx.psu.edu/). Nine genes (APLN, ZC4H2, MAGED4, MAGED4B, RAP2C, FAM156A, FAM156B, TBL1X, and UXT) were highlighted as highly-ranked XLMR methods. Conclusions The combination of gene annotation information and sequence motif-orientated computational candidate gene prediction methods highlight an added benefit in generating a list of plausible candidate genes, as has been demonstrated for XLMR. Reviewers: This article was reviewed by Dr Barbara Bardoni (nominated by Prof Juergen Brosius); Prof Neil Smalheiser and Dr Dustin Holloway (nominated by Prof Charles DeLisi).
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X-chromosome inactivation: molecular mechanisms from the human perspective. Hum Genet 2011; 130:175-85. [PMID: 21553122 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-011-0994-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
X-chromosome inactivation is an epigenetic process whereby one X chromosome is silenced in mammalian female cells. Since it was first proposed by Lyon in 1961, mouse models have been valuable tools to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying X inactivation. However, there are also inherent differences between mouse and human X inactivation, ranging from sequence content of the X inactivation center to the phenotypic outcomes of X-chromosome abnormalities. X-linked gene dosage in males, females, and individuals with X aneuploidies and X/autosome translocations has demonstrated that many human genes escape X inactivation, implicating cis-regulatory elements in the spread of silencing. We discuss the potential nature of these elements and also review the elements in the X inactivation center involved in the early events in X-chromosome inactivation.
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Xu J, Andreassi M. Reversible histone methylation regulates brain gene expression and behavior. Horm Behav 2011; 59:383-92. [PMID: 20816965 PMCID: PMC3084016 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2010] [Revised: 08/26/2010] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic chromatin remodeling, including reversible histone methylation, regulates gene transcription in brain development and synaptic plasticity. Aberrant chromatin modifications due to mutant chromatin enzymes or chemical exposures have been associated with neurological or psychiatric disorders such as mental retardation, schizophrenia, depression, and drug addiction. Some chromatin enzymes, such as histone demethylases JARID1C and UTX, are coded by X-linked genes which are not X-inactivated in females. The higher expression of JARID1C and UTX in females could contribute to sex differences in brain development and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xu
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
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Zhang YE, Vibranovski MD, Landback P, Marais GAB, Long M. Chromosomal redistribution of male-biased genes in mammalian evolution with two bursts of gene gain on the X chromosome. PLoS Biol 2010; 8. [PMID: 20957185 PMCID: PMC2950125 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1000494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2010] [Accepted: 08/16/2010] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian X chromosomes evolved under various mechanisms including sexual antagonism, the faster-X process, and meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). These forces may contribute to nonrandom chromosomal distribution of sex-biased genes. In order to understand the evolution of gene content on the X chromosome and autosome under these forces, we dated human and mouse protein-coding genes and miRNA genes on the vertebrate phylogenetic tree. We found that the X chromosome recently acquired a burst of young male-biased genes, which is consistent with fixation of recessive male-beneficial alleles by sexual antagonism. For genes originating earlier, however, this pattern diminishes and finally reverses with an overrepresentation of the oldest male-biased genes on autosomes. MSCI contributes to this dynamic since it silences X-linked old genes but not X-linked young genes. This demasculinization process seems to be associated with feminization of the X chromosome with more X-linked old genes expressed in ovaries. Moreover, we detected another burst of gene originations after the split of eutherian mammals and opossum, and these genes were quickly incorporated into transcriptional networks of multiple tissues. Preexisting X-linked genes also show significantly higher protein-level evolution during this period compared to autosomal genes, suggesting positive selection accompanied the early evolution of mammalian X chromosomes. These two findings cast new light on the evolutionary history of the mammalian X chromosome in terms of gene gain, sequence, and expressional evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong E. Zhang
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Maria D. Vibranovski
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Patrick Landback
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Gabriel A. B. Marais
- Université de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie évolutive, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Manyuan Long
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Genome destabilization by homologous recombination in the germ line. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2010; 11:182-95. [PMID: 20164840 DOI: 10.1038/nrm2849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Meiotic recombination, which promotes proper homologous chromosome segregation at the first meiotic division, normally occurs between allelic sequences on homologues. However, recombination can also take place between non-allelic DNA segments that share high sequence identity. Such non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) can markedly alter genome architecture during gametogenesis by generating chromosomal rearrangements. Indeed, NAHR-mediated deletions, duplications, inversions and other alterations have been implicated in numerous human genetic disorders. Studies in yeast have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of meiotic NAHR as well as the cellular strategies that limit it.
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32
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Barakat TS, Gribnau J. X chromosome inactivation and embryonic stem cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2010; 695:132-54. [PMID: 21222204 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-7037-4_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a process required to equalize the dosage of X-encoded genes between female and male cells. XCI is initiated very early during female embryonic development or upon differentiation of female embryonic stem (ES) cells and results in inactivation of one X chromosome in every female somatic cell. The regulation of XCI involves factors that also play a crucial role in ES cell maintenance and differentiation and the XCI process therefore provides a beautiful paradigm to study ES cell biology. In this chapter we describe the important cis and trans acting regulators of XCI and introduce the models that have been postulated to explain initiation of XCI in female cells only. We also discuss the proteins involved in the establishment of the inactive X chromosome and describe the different chromatin modifications associated with the inactivation process. Finally, we describe the potential of mouse and human ES and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells as model systems to study the XCI process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahsin Stefan Barakat
- Department of Reproduction and Development, University Medical Center, Room Ee 09-71, Erasmus MC, 3015 GE, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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33
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Deakin JE, Chaumeil J, Hore TA, Marshall Graves JA. Unravelling the evolutionary origins of X chromosome inactivation in mammals: insights from marsupials and monotremes. Chromosome Res 2009; 17:671-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s10577-009-9058-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Stouffs K, Tournaye H, Liebaers I, Lissens W. Male infertility and the involvement of the X chromosome. Hum Reprod Update 2009; 15:623-37. [PMID: 19515807 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmp023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a worldwide problem, keeping many researchers puzzled. Besides environmental factors, much attention is paid to single gene defects. In this view, the sex chromosomes are particularly interesting since men only have a single copy of these chromosomes. The involvement of the Y chromosome in male infertility is obvious since the detection of Yq microdeletions. The role of the X chromosome, however, remains less understood. METHODS Articles were obtained by searching PubMed until December 2008. A first search attempted to identify genes located on the X chromosome potentially important for spermatogenesis. A second part of the study was focused on those genes for which the role has already been studied in infertile patients. RESULTS Multiple genes located on the X chromosome are expressed in testicular tissues. The function of many genes, especially the cancer-testis genes, has not been studied so far. There were striking differences between mouse and human genes. In the second part of the study, the results of mutation analyses of seven genes (AR, SOX3, USP26, NXF2, TAF7L, FATE and AKAP4) are described. Except for AR, no infertility causing mutations have, thus far, been described. It cannot be excluded that some of the observed changes should be considered as risk factors for impaired spermatogenesis. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that, so far, the mutation analysis of X-linked genes in humans, presumed to be crucial for spermatogenesis or sperm quality, has been disappointing. Other approaches to learn more about male infertility are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Stouffs
- Department of Embryology and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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35
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Lawson MJ, Zhang L. Sexy gene conversions: locating gene conversions on the X-chromosome. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 37:4570-9. [PMID: 19487239 PMCID: PMC2724270 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene conversion can have a profound impact on both the short- and long-term evolution of genes and genomes. Here, we examined the gene families that are located on the X-chromosomes of human (Homo sapiens), chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), mouse (Mus musculus) and rat (Rattus norvegicus) for evidence of gene conversion. We identified seven gene families (WD repeat protein family, Ferritin Heavy Chain family, RAS-related Protein RAB-40 family, Diphosphoinositol polyphosphate phosphohydrolase family, Transcription Elongation Factor A family, LDOC1-related family, Zinc Finger Protein ZIC, and GLI family) that show evidence of gene conversion. Through phylogenetic analyses and synteny evidence, we show that gene conversion has played an important role in the evolution of these gene families and that gene conversion has occurred independently in both primates and rodents. Comparing the results with those of two gene conversion prediction programs (GENECONV and Partimatrix), we found that both GENECONV and Partimatrix have very high false negative rates (i.e. failed to predict gene conversions), which leads to many undetected gene conversions. The combination of phylogenetic analyses with physical synteny evidence exhibits high resolution in the detection of gene conversions.
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36
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Duthie CA, Simm G, Pérez-Enciso M, Doeschl-Wilson A, Kalm E, Knap PW, Roehe R. Genomic scan for quantitative trait loci of chemical and physical body composition and deposition on pig chromosome X including the pseudoautosomal region of males. Genet Sel Evol 2009; 41:27. [PMID: 19284590 PMCID: PMC2666071 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9686-41-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2009] [Accepted: 03/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A QTL analysis of pig chromosome X (SSCX) was carried out using an approach that accurately takes into account the specific features of sex chromosomes i.e. their heterogeneity, the presence of a pseudoautosomal region and the dosage compensation phenomenon. A three-generation full-sib population of 386 animals was created by crossing Pietrain sires with a crossbred dam line. Phenotypic data on 72 traits were recorded for at least 292 and up to 315 F2 animals including chemical body composition measured on live animals at five target weights ranging from 30 to 140 kg, daily gain and feed intake measured throughout growth, and carcass characteristics obtained at slaughter weight (140 kg). Several significant and suggestive QTL were detected on pig chromosome X: (1) in the pseudoautosomal region of SSCX, a QTL for entire loin weight, which showed paternal imprinting, (2) closely linked to marker SW2456, a suggestive QTL for feed intake at which Pietrain alleles were found to be associated with higher feed intake, which is unexpected for a breed known for its low feed intake capacity, (3) at the telomeric end of the q arm of SSCX, QTL for jowl weight and lipid accretion and (4) suggestive QTL for chemical body composition at 30 kg. These results indicate that SSCX is important for physical and chemical body composition and accretion as well as feed intake regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol-Anne Duthie
- Animal Breeding and Development, Sustainable Livestock Systems Group, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK
| | - Geoff Simm
- Animal Breeding and Development, Sustainable Livestock Systems Group, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK
| | - Miguel Pérez-Enciso
- ICREA, Dept. Food and Animal Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Andrea Doeschl-Wilson
- Animal Breeding and Development, Sustainable Livestock Systems Group, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK
| | - Ernst Kalm
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Hermann-Rodewald-Strasse 6, D-24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Pieter W Knap
- PIC Germany, Ratsteich 31, D-24837 Schleswig, Germany
| | - Rainer Roehe
- Animal Breeding and Development, Sustainable Livestock Systems Group, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK
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37
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Sidhu SK, Minks J, Chang SC, Cotton AM, Brown CJ. X chromosome inactivation: heterogeneity of heterochromatin. Biochem Cell Biol 2008; 86:370-9. [PMID: 18923538 DOI: 10.1139/o08-100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The silent X chromosome in mammalian females is a classic example of facultative heterochromatin, the term highlighting the compacted and inactive nature of the chromosome. However, it is now clear that the heterochromatin of the inactive X is not homogeneous--as indeed, not all genes on the inactive X are silenced. We summarize known features and events of X inactivation in different mouse and human model systems, and highlight the heterogeneity of chromatin along the inactive X. Characterizing this heterogeneity is likely to provide insight into the cis-acting sequences involved in X chromosome inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharan K Sidhu
- Molecular Epigenetics Group, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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38
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Penman DJ, Piferrer F. Fish Gonadogenesis. Part I: Genetic and Environmental Mechanisms of Sex Determination. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/10641260802324610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Andrés O, Kellermann T, López-Giráldez F, Rozas J, Domingo-Roura X, Bosch M. RPS4Y gene family evolution in primates. BMC Evol Biol 2008; 8:142. [PMID: 18477388 PMCID: PMC2397393 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-8-142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2007] [Accepted: 05/13/2008] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Backgound The RPS4 gene codifies for ribosomal protein S4, a very well-conserved protein present in all kingdoms. In primates, RPS4 is codified by two functional genes located on both sex chromosomes: the RPS4X and RPS4Y genes. In humans, RPS4Y is duplicated and the Y chromosome therefore carries a third functional paralog: RPS4Y2, which presents a testis-specific expression pattern. Results DNA sequence analysis of the intronic and cDNA regions of RPS4Y genes from species covering the entire primate phylogeny showed that the duplication event leading to the second Y-linked copy occurred after the divergence of New World monkeys, about 35 million years ago. Maximum likelihood analyses of the synonymous and non-synonymous substitutions revealed that positive selection was acting on RPS4Y2 gene in the human lineage, which represents the first evidence of positive selection on a ribosomal protein gene. Putative positive amino acid replacements affected the three domains of the protein: one of these changes is located in the KOW protein domain and affects the unique invariable position of this motif, and might thus have a dramatic effect on the protein function. Conclusion Here, we shed new light on the evolutionary history of RPS4Y gene family, especially on that of RPS4Y2. The results point that the RPS4Y1 gene might be maintained to compensate gene dosage between sexes, while RPS4Y2 might have acquired a new function, at least in the lineage leading to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Andrés
- Genètica de Conservació Animal, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries, Crta, de Cabrils km2, 08348 Cabrils, Spain.
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40
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Dutrillaux AM, Mercier J, Dutrillaux B. X-Y-autosome translocation, chromosome compaction, NOR expression and heterochromatin insulation in the Scarabaeid beetle Dynastes hercules hercules. Cytogenet Genome Res 2007; 116:305-10. [PMID: 17431329 DOI: 10.1159/000100415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2006] [Accepted: 02/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The karyotype of the giant beetle Dynastes hercules hercules is composed of only 16 autosomes and large sex chromosomes. Meiotic studies in the males showed that a large part of the sex chromosomes undergo synapsis at pachynema similarly to autosomes, demonstrating that both derived from an autosome-gonosome translocation. Therefore, karyotype formula is 18,neoXY. The heterochromatisation of the neoX short arm at pachynema indicates that it corresponds to the ancestral X. It carries the nucleolar organizer region (NOR) in its proximal part, which is undercondensed, especially in male mitotic and meiotic cells. In female mitotic cells, both NOR staining and undercondensation were more difficult to observe in the neoX short arms. In somatic interphase nuclei, NOR expression strongly varies with the sex. Two separated compact groups of silver dots were observed in female nuclei, while a single dispersed and large group of silver deposit exists in the males. Both the lower condensation and the higher NOR expression of the single neoX of the males, compared to each of the two neoXs of the females, is interpreted to be a consequence of dosage compensation, a mechanism not yet described in Coleoptera. In mammals as well as in Coleoptera, the carriers of gonosome-autosome translocations not exhibiting deleterious phenotypes show constitutive heterochromatin at the autosome-gonosome junction. Thus, heterochromatin may play an important universal role by clearly separating chromosome segments with different regulations of gene expression, such as inactivation or dosage compensation of the X chromosome on the one side and a conventional autosomal structure on the other side.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Dutrillaux
- UMR 5202 CNRS/MNHN, Département de Systématique, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France.
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Abstract
Patterns of genetic variability in human populations are profoundly influenced by social organisation, including lifestyle, language, religion and social status. A nice illustration is seen among societies that have specific rules about who can marry whom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Balaresque
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK
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42
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Davies W, Wilkinson LS. It is not all hormones: Alternative explanations for sexual differentiation of the brain. Brain Res 2006; 1126:36-45. [PMID: 17101121 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.09.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2006] [Revised: 09/22/2006] [Accepted: 09/22/2006] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Males and females of many species differ with regard to neurodevelopment, ongoing brain function and behavior. For many years, it was assumed that these differences primarily arose due to hormonal masculinization of the male brain (and to a lesser extent hormonal feminization of the female brain). Recent elegant experiments in model systems have revealed that, while gonadal hormones undoubtedly play an important role in sexual differentiation of the brain, they are not the only possible mechanism for this phenomenon. In the present review, we discuss the concept that genes residing upon the sex chromosomes (which are asymmetrically inherited between males and females) may influence sexually dimorphic neurobiology directly, and suggest possible mechanisms. Future work will be directed towards understanding the extent and specificity with which sex-linked genes and hormones define brain structure and function, and towards elucidating potential interactions between the two mechanisms. Ultimately, it is hoped that such studies will provide insights into why men and women are differentially vulnerable to certain mental disorders, and will enable the development of effective sex-tailored therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Davies
- The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Babraham, Cambridge CB2 4AT, UK.
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Xu J, Disteche CM. Sex differences in brain expression of X- and Y-linked genes. Brain Res 2006; 1126:50-5. [PMID: 16962077 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2006] [Revised: 08/07/2006] [Accepted: 08/14/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The X chromosome plays an important role in brain development and function, as evidenced by its disproportionately high content of genes whose mutations cause mental retardation. These X-linked brain genes may play a role in sexual differentiation if they are expressed at a higher level in XX females than in XY males, due to incomplete X inactivation in females. The expression of several X escapee genes is indeed higher in brain tissues from females when compared to males. In mouse, some of the sex differences are only found in adult brains but not in other tissues. Determining the brain expression pattern of these X escapee genes is important for a better understanding of their role in the neurological phenotypes of XO Turner syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xu
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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44
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Valley CM, Willard HF. Genomic and epigenomic approaches to the study of X chromosome inactivation. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2006; 16:240-5. [PMID: 16647845 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2006.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2006] [Accepted: 04/18/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
X chromosome inactivation represents a compelling example of chromosome-wide, long-range epigenetic gene-silencing in mammals. The cis- and trans-acting factors that establish and maintain the patterns and levels of gene expression from the active and inactive X chromosomes remain incompletely understood; however, the availability of the complete genomic sequence of the human X chromosome, together with complementary approaches that explore the computational biology, epigenetic modifications and gene expression-profiling along the chromosome, suggests that the features of the X chromosome that are responsible for its unique forms of gene regulation are increasingly amenable to experimental analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory M Valley
- Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy, Duke University, 101 Science Drive, CIEMAS 2376, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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Ross MT, Bentley DR, Tyler-Smith C. The sequences of the human sex chromosomes. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2006; 16:213-8. [PMID: 16650760 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2006.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2006] [Accepted: 04/18/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The sequences of both of the human sex chromosomes and of a substantial part of the chimpanzee Y chromosome have now been determined, and most of the protein-coding genes have been identified. The X chromosome codes for more than 800 proteins but the Y chromosome for only approximately 60, illustrating their very different evolutionary histories since their origin from an autosomal pair approximately 300 million years ago and explaining their differential importance in disease. These sequences have provided the basis for understanding normal patterns of variation, such as the distribution of SNPs, and patterns of linkage disequilibrium. In addition, they have been useful for identifying variants associated with simple Mendelian disorders such as microphthalmia or mental retardation, and more complex disorders such as osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Ross
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK.
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