Repeated translocation of a supergene underlying rapid sex chromosome turnover in pufferfish.

Recent studies have revealed a surprising diversity of sex chromosomes in vertebrates. However, the detailed mechanism of their turnover is still elusive. To understand this process, it is necessary to compare closely related species in terms of sex-determining genes and the chromosomes harboring them.

Identification of the sex-determining locus in grass puffer (Takifugu niphobles) provides evidence for sex-chromosome turnover in a subset of Takifugu species.

There is increasing evidence for frequent turnover in sex chromosomes in vertebrates. Yet experimental systems suitable for tracing the detailed process of turnover are rare. In theory, homologous turnover is possible if the new sex-determining locus is established on the existing sex-chromosome.