BACKGROUND Deletions of the AZF (azoospermia factor) subregions on the Y chromosome are accompanied by a diverse spectrum of spermatogenic disturbances ranging from hypospermatogenesis to total depletion of germ cells causing infertility. The AZF region encodes gene products which are candidates for the genetic control of spermatogenesis. Although it is known which genes are involved, a general...

The histone genes of wild-type Drosophila melanogaster are reiterated 100-150 times per haploid genome and are located in the segment of chromosome 2 that corresponds to polytene bands 39D2-3 to E1-2. The influence of altered histone gene multiplicity on chromatin structure has been assayed by measuring modification of the gene inactivation associated with position effect variegation in genotyp...

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of regular unprotected intercourse; it is a major health problem affecting about 10-15% of all couples. Infertility is due to a male factor in approximately 50% of cases. The human Y chromosome contains genes necessary for gonadal differentiation into a testis and genes for complete spermatogenesis. We examined the frequ...

AIM To investigate the possible causes of oligozoospermia and azoospermia in infertile Thai men, and to find the frequencies of Y chromosome microdeletions and cytogenetic abnormalities in this group. METHODS From June 2003 to November 2005, 50 azoospermic and 80 oligozoospermic men were enrolled in the study. A detailed history was taken for each man, followed by general and genital examinat...

In the course of evolution Y chromosome has acquired an important role in sex determination owing to the differentiation of the SRY gene from its X homologue. Apart from the functionally specialized SRY gene, the Y chromosome harbors several genes responsible for normal fertility. Three different spermatogenic loci namely AZFa, AZFb and AZFc located in the long arm of Y chromosome (Yq) has the ...