The ovine SOX2 gene: sequence, chromosomal localization and gonadal expression.

The SOX gene family consists of a large number of embryonically expressed genes capable of encoding putative transcription factors and related by a DNA-binding domain, the HMG-box. We cloned and characterized the ovine SOX2 transcript using the screening of a testis (12dpp) cDNA library with a probe containing the SRY-HMG-box and we performed 3'RACE experiments. The ovine SOX2 sequence is strongly conserved in comparison to the human, mouse and chicken homologues and is located on sheep chromosome 1q33.

Characterization of ovine SRY transcript and developmental expression of genes involved in sexual differentiation.

In mammals, the presence of SRY, the sex-determining gene located on the Y chromosome is required to induce the gonadal anlage to differentiate as a testis, whereas its absence leads to the development of an ovary. We report here the characterization by 5' and 3' RACE analysis of several SRY transcripts which are expressed in the ovine male developing gonads. These transcripts were not detected in any other fetal tissues and were expressed only in the genital portion of the urogenital ridge.

Cloning and characterization of a full-length cDNA coding for ovine aldolase B from fetal mesonephros.

An ovine aldolase B cDNA was isolated from mesonephros (29 d pc). The sequence covers 1649 nucleotides. Comparison with human liver aldolase B cDNA shows a homology of about 86%.

Isolation of bovine Y-derived sequence: potential use in embryo sexing.

To obtain bovine Y-derived probes, we have constructed a bovine plasmid library enriched for Y-specific DNA sequences by the deletion enrichment method. The resulting clones were analyzed by hybridization to Southern blots of male and female genomic DNA. From 200 clones tested, two (BC1.

Xenotropic and amphotropic pseudotyped recombinant retrovirus to transfer genes into cells from various species.

The ability to transfer genes into cells from different species with murine recombinant retroviruses was evaluated with the SVnls LacZ reporter gene. Mouse and cat packaging cell lines can be used to transfer amphotropic pseudotype, in human, mouse, cat, rabbit, sheep, horse and beef cells and with a very low efficiency in pig and avian cells. Xenotropic pseudotype recombinant retroviruses, produced in cat and rabbit packaging cell lines, transferred genes with the same efficiency as amphotropic retroviruses in human, cat, rabbit and sheep cells.