NUCLEAR MATRIX INTERACTIONS WITHIN THE SPERM GENOME

Analysis of the haploid expressed human PRM1 --> PRM2 --> TNP2 genic d omain has revealed two regions of attachment to the sperm nuclear matr ix. These sperm nuclear matrix attachment regions delimit the DNase I- sensitive domain of this haploid expressed locus. The domain is interm ediately associated with but not attached to the nuclear matrix. DNase I-sensitive genes within the mature sperm nucleus, such as protamine 1, protamine 2, transition protein 2, alpha-globin, and beta-actin, di splay this intermediate affinity for the sperm nuclear matrix. This ma y denote their role in templating the male genome prior to fertilizati on, thus ensuring the formation of a viable male pronucleus during ear ly embryonic development.