Histone MacroH2A1.2 is concentrated in the XY-body by the early pachytene stage of spermatogenesis

Citation
S. Hoyer-fender et al., Histone MacroH2A1.2 is concentrated in the XY-body by the early pachytene stage of spermatogenesis, EXP CELL RE, 258(2), 2000, pp. 254-260
Citations number
52
Categorie Soggetti
Cell & Developmental Biology
Journal title
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
ISSN journal
00144827 → ACNP
Volume
258
Issue
2
Year of publication
2000
Pages
254 - 260
Database
ISI
SICI code
0014-4827(20000801)258:2<254:HMICIT>2.0.ZU;2-0
Abstract
The pairing of sex chromosomes during meiosis in male mammals is associated with ongoing heterochromatinization and X inactivation. This process occur s in a specific area of the nucleus that can be discerned morphologically: the sex vesicle or XY-body. In contrast to X inactivation in the somatic ce lls of female mammals the reasons for X inactivation in the male germline r emain obscure. We have recently demonstrated that the inactive X chromosome in somatic cells of female mammals is marked by a high concentration of hi stone macroH2A. Here we investigate X inactivation in the meiotic cells of the male germline. We demonstrate here that macroH2A1.2 is present in the n uclei of germ cells starting first with localization that is largely, if no t exclusively, to the developing XY-body in early pachytene spermatocytes, Our results suggest that inactivation of sex chromosomes in the male germ c ell includes a major alteration of the nucleosomal structure. (C) 2000 Acad emic Press.