Hypervariable digital DNA codes for human paternal lineages: MVR-PCR at the Y-specific minisatellite, MSY1 (DYF155S1).
We describe the first haploid minisatellite, the human Y chromosome-specific locus, MSY1. It consists of an array of 48-114 AT-rich 25 bp repeats of at least five different variant types. A minisatellite variant repeat PCR (MVR-PCR) system gives Y-specific DNA codes, with a virtual heterozygosity of 99.9%, making MSY1 by far the single most variable locus on the Y. African populations contain the most diverged MSY1 structures. MSY1 is the only Y-chromosomal system where the characteristics of large numbers of mutations can be studied in detail: it provides a uniquely powerful tool both for the investigation of mutation in a haploid system, and for the dating of paternal lineages.
Jobling
M A
MA
Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Adrian Building, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK. maj4@leicester.ac.uk
Bouzekri
N
N
Taylor
P G
PG
D000349:Africa; D000569:Americas; D001208:Asia; D001483:Base Sequence; D005060:Europe; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006238:Haploidy; D006239:Haplotypes; D006801:Humans; D018598:Minisatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009154:Mutation; D010139:Pacific Islands; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014998:Y Chromosome / Q000235:genetics*