A deletion of a novel heat shock gene on the Y chromosome associated with azoospermia.
Deletions of the Y chromosome are a significant cause of spermatogenic failure. Three major deletion intervals have been defined and termed AZFa, AZFb and AZFc. Here, we report an unusual case of a proximal AZFb deletion that includes the Y chromosome palindromic sequence P4 and a novel heat shock factor (HSFY). This deletion neither include the genes EIF1AY, RPS4Y2 nor copies of the RBMY1 genes. The individual presented with idiopathic azoospermia. We propose that deletions of the testis-specific HSFY gene family may be a cause of unexplained cases of idiopathic male infertility. This deletion would not have been detected using current protocols for Y chromosome microdeletion screens, therefore we recommend that current screening protocols be extended to include this region and other palindrome sequences that contain genes expressed specifically in the testis.
Vinci
Giovanna
G
Reproduction, Fertility and Populations, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France.
Raicu
Florina
F
Popa
Luis
L
Popa
Olivia
O
Cocos
Relu
R
McElreavey
Ken
K
D002872:Chromosome Deletion; D041322:Chromosomes, Human, Y / Q000235:genetics*; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D005810:Multigene Family; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000235:genetics*; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism
D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins