Detection of translocation rob(1;29) in bull sperm using a specific DNA probe.
The Robertsonian translocation rob(1;29), connected with reduced fertility, is widespread in different cattle breeds all over the world. After laser microdissection, DOP-PCR, cloning and sequencing, a highly sensitive translocation-specific DNA probe, suitable for detection of rob(1;29) in cattle metaphase and interphase cells, including spermatozoa was designed. Sperm samples of five heterozygous translocation carriers were analyzed using this probe and a control probe for chromosome 6. One thousand decondensed spermatozoa from each bull were scored. Signals of the translocation-specific probe were detected in 48.8, 50.9, 50.1, 51.8, and 54.8% of spermatozoa, respectively. In contrast, semen samples from five chromosomally normal bulls showed only signals of the control probe for chromosome 6. Semen from a chimeric (XX/XY) bull, showing 57.5% of 59,XX,rob(1;29) and 42.5% of 60,XY cells in cultured peripheral lymphocytes, was also examined using this probe. No sperm head with signal of the translocation-specific probe was observed among 1,000 spermatozoa analyzed in this bull, demonstrating that female cells do not pass through the process of spermatogenesis.
Vozdova
M
M
Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic.
Kubickova
S
S
Cernohorska
H
H
Rubes
J
J
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000235:genetics*; D002678:Chimera / Q000235:genetics; D015342:DNA Probes / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006579:Heterozygote; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D015336:Molecular Probe Techniques / Q000662:veterinary; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism*; D014178:Translocation, Genetic
D015342:DNA Probes