Asian Journal of Andrology 2006;8(1):61-67

A differentially methylated region of the DAZ1 gene in spermatic and somatic cells.

Zuo-Xiang LI 1 ; Xu MA ; Zhao-Hui WANG

Affiliations

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Country

China

Language

English

Abstract

AIMTo investigate the methylation status of the deleted in azoospermia 1 (DAZ1) gene promoter region in different cell types.

METHODSUsing CpG island Searcher software, a CpG island was found in the promoter region of the DAZ1 gene. The methylation status of this region was analyzed in sperm and leukocytes by bisulfited sequencing.

RESULTSThe methylation status of the CpG island in the DAZ1 gene promoter region differed in leukocytes and sperm: it was methylated in leukocytes, but unmethylated in sperm.

CONCLUSIONA differentially methylated region of the DAZ1 gene exists in spermatic and somatic cells, suggesting that methylation of this region may regulate DAZ1 gene expression in different tissues.