Shocking detection of Y chromosome

Through mouse experiments, US scientists found that males can still reproduce even though most genes are removed on the Y chromosome.

Chromosomes (chromosomes) are an organized structure of DNA and proteins located in cells. In most mammals, including humans, a pair of chromosomes in sex cells will regulate sex. In it, you will be male if you inherit your mother's X chromosome and Y's chromosome (pair XY), and will be female if you receive your mother's X chromosome and your X chromosome (XX pair).

Therefore, the Y chromosome has long been considered a symbol of masculinity in animals in general. In mice, Y chromosomes normally contain 14 different genes, of which some will appear in nearly 100 different copies.

Human X and Y chromosomes.(Photo: SPL)

According to Science magazine, a group of scientists from the University of Hawaii (USA) condensed all genetic information contained in a normal Y chromosome infection of mice into two genes. They found that genetically altered mice that possessed chromosomes containing only these two key genes were still growing normally and even capable of giving birth with the help of in vitro fertilization (IVF). ) advanced.

Professor Ward, a member of the research team explained, genetically altered mice can only produce sperm in their infancy. However, the researchers used an advanced form of IVF, which injects genetic information from the "seed" at early stage into the egg, helping to produce healthy, long-lived young animals.

Mr. Ward added that two essential genes that remain in the Y chromosome of mice are Sry - the gene that plays the role of male formation when the fetus develops , and Eif2s3y - the gene involved in the stages. The first part in sperm production . Genes have been eliminated to help produce healthy sperm.

This expert said, we can completely eliminate Y chromosome if the role of two key genes Sry and Eif2s3y can be reproduced in a different way, although the idea of ​​a world without males can be heard. looks "crazy".

The team claims, in practice, their discovery opens up the prospect of someday helping the men suffering from chromosome Y perform the dream of being a father.

Commenting on the study, Dr. Chris Tyler-Smith said: " This is an important step in understanding basic biology. But one important thing we need to remember is, genes. being eliminated at the Y chromosome of mice is necessary for the natural reproduction of this animal, and as the authors have carefully warned, their discoveries cannot be directly applied to humans for humans. There is a direct resemblance to one of the two key genes in mice. "