PlumX Metrics
Embed PlumX Metrics

Chromatin condensation behaviour of the Y chromosomes in the human testis - I. Evidence for decondensation of distal Yq in germ cells prior to puberty with a switch to Sertoli cells in adults

Chromosoma, ISSN: 0009-5915, Vol: 102, Issue: 6, Page: 421-427
1993
  • 22
    Citations
  • 0
    Usage
  • 8
    Captures
  • 0
    Mentions
  • 0
    Social Media
Metric Options:   Counts1 Year3 Year

Metrics Details

Article Description

The condensation behaviour of the human Y chromosome in germ cells and Sertoli cells of pre- and post-pubertal testes was followed by fluorescence in situ hybridisation using probes for three different regions of the Y chromosome. Patterns of expansion or contraction of signal are taken to reflect degrees of condensation of the related Y chromatin and hence its potential for genetic activity. For probe pHY2.1, which labels the distal non-fluorescent and fluorescent heterochromatin of the Y chromosome (Yq12), an expanded signal seen in gonocytes of the prepubertal testis is superseded by a condensed signal seen in adult germ cells at all but the zygotene stage of meiotic prophase when meiotic pairing takes place. In contrast, Sertoli cells show a condensed signal pre-pubertally but a greatly expanded signal in the adult testis. A totally condensed pHY2.1 signal is found in a chromosomally normal man with Sertoli-cell-only syndrome. It is hypothesised that control over at least some facets of spermatogenesis may not, in the adult, be autonomous to the germ cells, but rather may emanate from the Sertoli cells. Chromatin expansion at zygotene could, however, be important for pairing and crossing over in the XY bivalent, successful synapsis ensuring survival of spermatocytes into the post-meiotic stages. © 1993 Springer-Verlag.

Provide Feedback

Have ideas for a new metric? Would you like to see something else here?Let us know