The pattern of histone H4 acetylation on the X chromosome during spermatogenesis of the desert locustSchistocerca gregaria

We have used antibodies directed against histone H4 acetylated at lysine residue 5, 8, 12, or 16 and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy to probe chromosomes from spermatogonia and spermatocytes of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. The autosomes showed bright overall fluorescence, indicative of high levels of H4 acetylation. In contrast, the X chromosome, which is facultatively heterochromatic during spermatogenesis of the locust, remained completely unstained in spermatogonia and secondary spermatocytes and showed only a small terminal fluorescent band in primary spermatocytes. This band probably corresponds to centromere-associated constitutive heterochromatin. Thus, underacety…