Size heterogeneity of telomeric DNA in mouse meiotic chromosomes

Heterogeneity for the length of telomeric DNA sequences has been found among different mitotic chromosomes in several mammalian species. However, there are no studies reporting such heterogeneity in meiotic chromosomes. To analyse this heterogeneity we have performed fluorescence in situ hybridization with a telomeric (C(3)TA(2))(3) peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe on spread metaphase chromosomes during both male mouse meiotic divisions. Our results show that independently of the meiotic division, telomeric DNA signals were always surrounded by DAPI-stained chromatin, even at centromeric regions. Moreover, we have found heterogeneity for the size of telomeric DNA signals among different chromosomes, between homologues, and even within a given chromosome. We discuss the functional significance of the location of telomeric DNA in condensed meiotic chromosomes, and then the possible origin for the different polymorphisms found.