A novel marker for the platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) W chromosome is derived from a Polinton transposon

J Genet Genomics. 2010 Mar;37(3):181-8. doi: 10.1016/S1673-8527(09)60036-9.

Abstract

A consensus sequence, encoding a putative DNA polymerase type B derived from a Polinton transposon, was assembled from the sex determination region of Xiphophorus maculatus. This predicted protein, which is 1,158 aa in length, contains a DNA_pol_B_2 domain and a DTDS motif. The DNA polymerase type B gene has about 10 copies in the haploid X. maculatus genome with one Y-specific copy. Interestingly, it has specific copies on the W chromosome in the X. maculatus Usumacinta strain (sex determination with female heterogamety), which represent new markers for this type of sex chromosome in platyfish. This marker with W- and Y-specific copies suggests relationship between different types of gonosomes and allows comparing male and female heterogameties in the platyfish. Further molecular analysis of the DNA polymerase type B gene in X. maculatus will shed new light on the evolution of sex chromosomes in platyfish.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cyprinodontiformes / classification
  • Cyprinodontiformes / genetics*
  • Cyprinodontiformes / metabolism
  • DNA Polymerase beta / genetics*
  • DNA Polymerase beta / metabolism
  • DNA Transposable Elements*
  • Female
  • Fish Proteins / genetics*
  • Fish Proteins / metabolism
  • Genetic Markers
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Sex Chromosomes*

Substances

  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • Fish Proteins
  • Genetic Markers
  • DNA Polymerase beta