Sex determination by simultaneous amplification of equine SRY and amelogenin genes.
Abstract: A quick method for sex determination of horses was developed. Simultaneous amplification of the equine sex-determining region of the Y chromosome gene (SRY) and amelogenin gene (AMEL) accomplished the determination of the presence of both the Y chromosome and SRY gene. In agarose gel electrophoresis, a normal stallion showed 1 SRY band and 3 AMEL (AMELX, AMELY, and AMELX/AMELY heteroduplex) bands, and a normal mare showed a single AMELX band. In XY-mares, 3 AMEL bands were detected as in a normal stallion, but no SRY band. The present method enables a quick diagnosis for XY-mare prior to cytogenetic analysis.
Publication Date: 2000-11-10 PubMed ID: 11073085DOI: 10.1292/jvms.62.1109Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The researchers have devised a fast method to determine the sex of horses by simultaneously amplifying two genes, SRY and amelogenin. This method helps to identify the presence of both the Y chromosome and SRY gene. Electrophoresis results revealed distinct band patterns for normal mares and stallions, and XY mares, aiding in their identification.
Development of the Sex Determination Method
The research team developed a quick method to pinpoint the sex of horses. The process involves:
- Simultaneously amplifying two particular genes: the equine sex-determining region of the Y chromosome (SRY) gene and the amelogenin gene (AMEL).
- These genes are critical for sex differentiation – the SRY gene is essential for the development of male characteristics, while AMEL plays a role in tooth enamel formation but is differently located on sex chromosomes.
Analyzing Electrophoresis Results
After amplification, the researchers analyzed the amplified genetic material using agarose gel electrophoresis. They observed distinctive patterns based on the sex of the horse:
- A typical stallion showed one SRY band – indicating the presence of the SRY gene and hence a male horse – and three AMEL bands – AMELX, AMELY, and a hybrid AMELX/AMELY.
- A typical mare presented only a single AMELX band, signifying the absence of the Y chromosome and, by extension, the SRY gene.
- In XY mares, which are genetic males externally resembling females, three AMEL bands were detected as in a normal stallion, but there was no SRY band.
The Benefit of the Research
The method developed in this study allows for a fast and accurate diagnosis of an XY mare prior to the more labor-intensive and time-consuming cytogenetic analysis:
- The simultaneous amplification method grants quicker results and minimizes the need for intricate cytogenetic analysis.
- It enables faster decision-making in a clinical context, where breeders could use this information to make breeding decisions.
Cite This Article
APA
Hasegaw T, Sato F, Ishida N, Fukushima Y, Mukoyama H.
(2000).
Sex determination by simultaneous amplification of equine SRY and amelogenin genes.
J Vet Med Sci, 62(10), 1109-1110.
https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.62.1109 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Utsunomiya.
MeSH Terms
- Amelogenin
- Animals
- DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
- Dental Enamel Proteins / genetics
- Electrophoresis, Agar Gel / veterinary
- Female
- Horses / genetics
- Male
- Nuclear Proteins
- Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
- Sex Determination Analysis / veterinary
- Sex Determination Processes
- Sex-Determining Region Y Protein
- Transcription Factors
- X Chromosome
- Y Chromosome
Citations
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- Martinez MM, Costa M, Ratti C. Molecular screening of XY SRY-negative sex reversal cases in horses revealed anomalies in amelogenin testing. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020 Nov;32(6):938-941.
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