Heterogeneities in the distribution of (GACA)n simple repeats in the karyotypes of primates and mouse

Abstract

Tandemly organized simple repetitive sequences are widespread in all eukaryotes. The organization of the simple tetrameric (GACA)_n sequences at chromosomal loci has been investigated using in situ hybridization with chemically pure oligonucleotide probes. Both biotin- and digoxigenin-attached (GACA)₄ probes reveal specific hybridization signals over the short arms of all acrocentric autosomes in man. In the other examined primates the NOR-bearing autosomes could be detected by in situ hybridization with (GACA)₄, and a major concentration of the GACA simple repeats could be observed on the Y chromosome in the gibbon and mouse; the hybridization site in the gibbon Y chromosome coincides particularly with the silver-stainable NOR. In the past, accumulations of (GACA)_n sequences were demonstrated mainly on vertebrate sex chromosomes. Therefore, the organization of GACA simple sequences is discussed in the context of their evolutionary potential accumulation and the possible linkage with the primate rDNA loci.