Histone H1t is not replaced by H1.1 or H1.2 in pachytene spermatocytes or spermatids of H1t-deficient mice

摘要

The linker histone gene H1t is exclusively expressed in the mammalian testis. In former experiments we have shown that H1.1 and H1.2 histone gene expression is significantly enhanced in testis of adult H1t deficient mice. In this report we have quantified the mRNA of different H1 genes in 9-day- and 20-day-old wild type and H1t knock out mice. In addition, we have analysed the distribution of H1.1 and H1.2 protein by immunofluorescent staining in spread male germ cells. The aim of this work was to answer the question whether H1t can be replaced during spermatogenesis by H1.1 or H1.2. In our experiments we could not detect elevated levels of H1.1 or H1.2 in pachytene spermatocytes or haploid cells of H1t deficient testis. Therefore, in these cells, H1t seems not to be replaced by H1.1 or H1.2.