Fluorescence in situ hybridization is a molecular cytogenetics technique that enables the visualization of chromosomes in cells via fluorescently labeled molecular probes specific to selected chromosomes. Despite difficulties in carrying out the FISH technique on sperm, related to the need for proper nuclear chromatin decondensation, this technique has already been used to visualize chromosomes in human, mouse, cattle, swine, horse, and dog spermatozoa. Until now, FISH has not been performed on domestic cat sperm; therefore, the aim of this study was to visualize sex chromosomes in domestic cat sperm. The results showed the presence of X and Y chromosomes in feline spermatozoa. The procedure used for sperm decondensation and fluorescence in situ hybridization was adequate to visualize chromosomes in domestic cat spermatozoa and, in the future, it may be used to determine the degree of chromosomal abnormalities in these gametes.

• Keywords
• FISH, WCPP, cat spermatozoa,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

In this study, we investigated repetitive sequences localized on Y chromosomes. Repetitive DNA sequences represent a substantial part of the eukaryotic genome and, among them, a large portion comprises sequences repeated in tandem. Efficient and rapid isolation of repeat units is possible due to a laser microdissection technique used for Y chromosome separation, followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloning, and sequence analysis. We applied the derived repeat units to members of nine tribes within the Bovidae. Apart from the Y chromosomes of Bos taurus and Bubalus bubalis, where we used known sequences of repetition, the derived sequences were used as probes for fluorescent in situ cross-hybridization to members of the nine tribes of the Bovidae. We investigated the distribution of repeat units within the tribes and their localization on the Y chromosome. Sharing of sequence variants would indicate common descent, while the rapid horizontal evolution should allow discrimination between closely related species or subspecies.

• MeSH
• Y Chromosome chemistry   genetics   MeSH
• Species Specificity MeSH
• Fluorescent Dyes chemistry   MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence veterinary   MeSH
• Laser Capture Microdissection methods   veterinary   MeSH
• Metaphase MeSH
• Evolution, Molecular MeSH
• Genetics, Population methods   MeSH
• Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid * MeSH
• Base Sequence MeSH
• Sequence Analysis, DNA methods   veterinary   MeSH
• Sequence Alignment MeSH
• Sex Factors MeSH
• Cattle classification   genetics   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Male MeSH
• Cattle classification   genetics   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Fluorescent Dyes MeSH