The Characterization And Annotation Of The Bovine X-Degenerate Genes Txlngy, Eif1Ay, Sry, Uty, Usp9Y, And Zfy And Their X-Encoded Homologs

Abstract

The male-specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY) contains several groups of genes characterized, in part, by the point in time at which the Y-encoded genes diverged from their X-encoded homologs. X-degenerate genes are one of these groups, and some are known to play critical roles in male development and fertility. We theorize that the Y-encoded X-degenerate genes have gained enough sequence difference as compared to their X-encoded homologs to be selectively amplified by PCR. The main goal of this study was to develop a system to characterize X-degenerate genes and differentiate them from their X-encoded homologs. Within that goal, it was also hypothesized that there might exist alternative isoforms, for some genes, that could be identified. This study focused on identifying expression patterns and potential isoforms for the following X-degenerate gene/X-encoded homolog pairs: TXLNGY/TXLNG, EIF1AY/EIF1AX, SRY/SOX3, UTY/UTX, USP9Y/USP9X, and ZFY/ZFX.