Restriction fragment polymorphism in the sex-determining region of the Y chromosomal DNA of European wild mice.

Using 32P-labeled probe consisting mainly of (GATA)n we have shown that a male specific Alu1 DNA blot pattern which defines the Y chromosome sex-determining locus in inbred mice is highly polymorphic in wild mice, indicating substantial sequence evolution in this region under field conditions. In all cases examined by in situ hybridization, the region concerned is paracentromeric. In contrast, the blot pattern of another probe (M 34) which detects repeated sequences specific to the mouse Y chromosome but outside the sex-determining locus, remains constant between different isolates.