Minisatellite associated sequence amplification (MASA) of the hypervariable repeat marker 33.15 reveals a male specific band in humans.

The 16-nt (5' CACCTCTCCACCTGCC 3') consensus sequence of the hypervariable repeat marker 33.15 was used as primer to conduct minisatellite associated sequence amplification (MASA) of human genomic DNA. MASA detected a 513-bp Y chromosome specific band in males as well as a number of variable bands ranging from 260-2700 bp in both the sexes. Overall polymorphism of the variable alleles was low with the band sharing probability of identity being 1.04x10(-4). Cloning and sequence analysis of the male specific band (GenBank accession no. AF134482) showed a high level (60-80%) of sequence homology with several human Y chromosome derived clones. Similar analysis of Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) genomic DNA showed male specific isomorphic band though of different size. This assay may provide a useful method for the detection of Y chromosome related heterochromatic sequences in human and other vertebrates. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.