The Arg and Lys-Rich Motif in the TSPY Gene of Humans and Japanese Monkeys (Macaca fuscata) is Conserved in Various Primate Species

Testis-specific protein Y(TSPY) is thought to play an important role during spermatogenesis in primates. The Arg and Lys-rich region of TSPY was implicated as a potential DNA binding site in the human and Japanese monkey. In the study, we investigated this further through looking at the putative amino acid sequences of Arg and Lys-rich region of TSPY gene from seven species of gibbons, five species of Old World monkeys and five species of New World monkeys. A comparison with those of the human and Japanese monkey revealed that the Arg and Lys-rich motif was hightly conserved in various primates. This finding suggests that a possible role for the Arg and Lys-rich motif in primate TSPY is DNA recognition. The functional implications for TSPY are discussed in the light of this and previous findings.