Molecular dissection of the human Y-chromosome

Human Y chromosome. earlier thought to he gene deficient. has attracted a great deal of attention owing to its supremacy in male sex determination and unique hapiotype status in the genome. Studies on Y chromosome have shown the presence of different types of satellite DNA and several genes implicated with a variety of phsical and physiological functions. The interaction of these repetitive DNA with genes in normal individuals and in patients with Y-chromosome-related genetic anomalies is still an unresolved issue and is actively being pursued. The fast changing scenario of the human genome project is likely to effect our overall understanding of the Y chromosome and Y-linked genetic anomalies in a big way. we provide a brief overview of the organization of Y chromosome with respect to several important loci encompassing both the arm,, and their likely involement/modulation in genetic anomalies. The experimental approaches discussed here are envisaged to be of clinical relevance for the molecular diagnosis of the Y-linked disorders. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.