Horse Y chromosome assembly displays unique evolutionary features and putative stallion fertility genes

Nat Commun. 2018 Jul 27;9(1):2945. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-05290-6.

Abstract

Dynamic evolutionary processes and complex structure make the Y chromosome among the most diverse and least understood regions in mammalian genomes. Here, we present an annotated assembly of the male specific region of the horse Y chromosome (eMSY), representing the first comprehensive Y assembly in odd-toed ungulates. The eMSY comprises single-copy, equine specific multi-copy, PAR transposed, and novel ampliconic sequence classes. The eMSY gene density approaches that of autosomes with the highest number of retained X-Y gametologs recorded in eutherians, in addition to novel Y-born and transposed genes. Horse, donkey and mule testis RNAseq reveals several candidate genes for stallion fertility. A novel testis-expressed XY ampliconic sequence class, ETSTY7, is shared with the parasite Parascaris genome, providing evidence for eukaryotic horizontal transfer and inter-chromosomal mobility. Our study highlights the dynamic nature of the Y and provides a reference sequence for improved understanding of equine male development and fertility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ascaridoidea / genetics
  • Equidae / genetics
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Fertility / genetics*
  • Gene Dosage / genetics
  • Gene Transfer, Horizontal
  • Horses / genetics*
  • Hybridization, Genetic
  • Male
  • Phylogeny
  • Testis / metabolism
  • X Chromosome / genetics
  • Y Chromosome / genetics*