Cell
Volume 75, Issue 7, 31 December 1993, Pages 1287-1295
Journal home page for Cell

Article
A Y chromosome gene family with RNA-binding protein homology: Candidates for the azoospermia factor AZF controlling human spermatogenesis

https://doi.org/10.1016/0092-8674(93)90616-XGet rights and content

Abstract

We have previously mapped the human azoospermia factor to a deletion in Y chromosome interval 6 (subinterval XII-XIV). We now report the isolation and characterization of a gene family located within this deletion. Analysis of the predicted protein products suggests a possible role in RNA processing or translational control during early spermatogenesis. The Y chromosome RNA recognition motif (YRRM) family includes a minimum of three members expressed specifically in the testis. Interphase in situ results and Southern blot analysis indicate that several further YRRM sequences map within interval 6. Several mammalian species show Y chromosome conservation of YRRM sequences. We have detected deletions of YRRM sequences in two oligospermic patients with no previously detectable mutation.

References (43)

  • D.J. Kenan et al.

    RNA recognition: towards identifying determinants of specificity

    Trends Biochem

    (1991)
  • M. Kozak

    Structural features in eukaryotic mRNAs that modulate the initiation of translation

    J. Biol. Chem.

    (1991)
  • A.R. Krainer et al.

    Functional expression of cloned human splicing factor SF2: homology to RNA-binding proteins, U1-70K, and Drosophila splicing regulators

    Cell

    (1991)
  • I.W. Mattaj

    A binding consensus: RNA-protein interactions in splicing, snRNPs, and sex

    Cell

    (1989)
  • C.C. Query et al.

    A common RNA recognition motif identified within a defined U1 RNA binding domain of the 70K U1 snRNP protein

    Cell

    (1989)
  • A.B. Sachs et al.

    A single gene from yeast for both nuclear and cytoplasmic polyadenylate-binding proteins: domain structure and expression

    Cell

    (1986)
  • H. Saitoh et al.

    CENP-C, an autoantigen in scleroderma, is a component of the human inner kinetochore plate

    Cell

    (1992)
  • S.A. Adam et al.

    mRNA polyadenylate-binding protein: gene isolation and sequencing and identification of a ribonucleoprotein consensus sequence

    Mol. Cell. Biol.

    (1986)
  • M. Andersson et al.

    Y autosome translocations and mosaicism in the etiology of 45, X maleness: assignment of fertility factor to distal Yq11

    Hum. Genet.

    (1988)
  • C.E. Bishop et al.

    Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of a mouse Y chromosome RNA transcript expressed in the testis

    Nucl. Acids Res.

    (1987)
  • R.E. Braun et al.

    Protamine 3′-untranslated sequences regulate temporal translational control and subcellular localization of growth hormone in spermatids of transgenic mice

    Genes Dev.

    (1989)
  • Cited by (0)

    Present Address: University of Cambridge Clinical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Rosie Maternity Hospital, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 2SW, England.

    View full text