Alteration of poly(ADP-ribose) metabolism affects murine sperm nuclear architecture by impairing pericentric heterochromatin condensation.

ABSTRACT: The mammalian sperm nucleus is characterized by unique properties that are important for fertilization. Sperm DNA retains only small numbers of histones in distinct positions, and the majority of the genome is protamine associated, which allows for extreme condensation and protection of the genetic material. Furthermore, sperm nuclei display a highly ordered architecture that is characterized by a centrally located chromocenter comprising the pericentromeric chromosome regions and peripherally positioned telomeres. Establishment of this unique and well-conserved nuclear organization during spermiogenesis is not well understood. Utilizing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we show that a large fraction of the histone-associated sperm genome is repetitive in nature, while a smaller f

SUBMITTER: Meyer-Ficca ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3762462 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature