Molecular Sexing in Owls (Aves, Strigiformes) and the Unique Genetic Structure of the Chromodomain Helicase DNA-Binding Protein 1 (CHD1) Gene on Chromosome W.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The accurate determination of bird sex is crucial in various biological fields, including ecology, behavioral research, and conservation. However, this task remains challenging in species in which males and females exhibit similar external morphologies, such as owls. Although polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular sexing techniques that target the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 1 gene found on sex chromosomes Z (CHD1-Z gene) and W (CHD1-W gene) are widely used, we encountered atypical banding patterns when applying the previously reported primers 2550F and 2718R to four wild owls of unknown sex. This study aims to reveal the owl-specific genetic structure of the CHD1 gene.

Methods

We developed a new primer set and determine

SUBMITTER: Esaki M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12191965 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature