title: The human SRY transcript.
abstract: SRY encodes the Y-linked testis-determining factor in humans. A predominant 900 bp transcript originates from a single exon and encompasses the putative SRY coding sequence. We show that in human adult testis SRY transcription involves multiple start sites. In addition to a previously defined major initiation site, transcripts originating at least 410 bp upstream of this site were detected. Using a cDNA specific RT-PCR assay, embryonic and adult human tissues were screened for SRY expression. In humans, SRY transcription is not restricted to the presumptive and the mature gonadal tissues in the embryo and the adult respectively but can be detected in a range of other locations. Two human cell lines, NTERA-2 cl.D1 (NT2/D1) and Hep G2, have been identified which express SRY at similar levels to adult testis. The NT2/D1 SRY transcripts appear to have the same structure as those in adult testis. HMBA-induced differentiation of NT2/D1 cells results in a diminution of SRY mRNA, while transcription of SRY in retinoic acid differentiated NT2/D1 is unaffected.
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Clépet
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Schafer
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Sinclair
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Palmer
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lovell-Badge
authors.forename: P N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Goodfellow
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001483:Base Sequence; D002460:Cell Line; D017931:DNA Primers; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D005091:Exons; D015870:Gene Expression; D015723:Gene Library; D006801:Humans; D007041:Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase / Q000235:genetics; D051741:Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D014998:Y Chromosome
chemical_list: D017931:DNA Primers; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D051741:Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors; D014157:Transcription Factors; C054430:ZFY protein, human; D007041:Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase