Molecular cloning and sequencing of the SRY gene from pig

Mammalian embryos developing into males or females depend on whether they carryY chromosomes or not. Because a gene existing on the Y chromosome can induceindifferent gonad (genital ridge) to differentiate into testicle (male), while lacking

Mammalian embryos developing into males or females depend on whether they carry Y chromosomes or not. Because a gene existing on the Y chromosome can induce indifferent gonad (genital ridge) to differentiate into testicle (male), while lacking Y chromosome the gonad develops into ovary (female). This gene is named testis-determining factor (TDF) in humans, and testis-determining gene of Y in mice([1,2]). In 1990, Koopman discovered a single copy gene encoding the conserved 80-amino-acid that is situated on the area of the short arm of Y chromosome bordering on pseudo-autosomal. The gene is called sex-determining region of the Y (SRY). Further research indicated that SRY is TDF. Relevant scholars also analyzed the sequences of the motifs of human, mouse and rabbit SRY genes, but the motif of swine SRY gene is still not reported([3-5]). To investigate the molecular structure and the site of the motif of pig SRY, establish the procedure of sexing pig embryo, and provide a quick, simple and exact method for sexing IVF embryo and embryo used for genetic manipulation, we separated pig SRY gene by PCR method, and cloned SRY into pUC19. The nucleotide sequencing and homological analysis was also carried out.