Chromosomal localization of the human protamine genes, PRM1 and PRM2, to 16p13.3 by in situ hybridization.

Protamines are sperm-specific proteins that replace histones in the nuclear chromatin of mature spermatozoa. A chromosomal localization of the genes coding for human protamines has been achieved by in situ hybridization. Two cDNA probes of 423 bp and 397 bp containing the entire coding sequence for human protamine 1 (HP1) and human protamine 2 (HP2), respectively, have been used. The genes, called PRM1 and PRM2, have been found, tightly linked, on band 16p13.3. Arguments are given for the existence of these two genes as single copies, PRM1 coding for the unique HP1 protamine and PRM2 coding for a precursor of several proteins belonging to the HP2 family.