This could also suggest that only homologous chromosomes are replicating at the same, which could be associated with similar homologous chromosome conformation at early meiosis in wheat, as it has previously described. Finally, our results support previous findings on replication during early meiosis in wheat-rye hybrids in the presence and in the absence of the Ph1 locus, explained as an increment in the activation of origins and hence the rate of replication of disperse chromatin in wheat-rye hybrids in the absence of the Ph1 locus. In summary, flow cytometry has been revealed as a suitable tool to detect and quantify DNA replication during early meiosis in wheat. Replication was detected in wheat during premeiosis and early meiosis until the stage of pachytene, when chromosomes are associated in pairs to further recombine and correctly segregate in the gametes. Moreover, flow cytometric results suggested that the Ph1 locus is affecting the rate of replication during early meiosis in wheat, being lower in the presence of the Ph1 locus and consequently, replication during early meiosis lasts longer and finishes later than in the absence of the Ph1 locus. The biological significance of replication at early meiosis and the effect of the Ph1 locus in replication suggest a solid connection between DNA replication and chromosome associations at the onset of meiosis in a polyploid like wheat. Further studies are needed to build upon these results for unravelling the underlying molecular mechanisms. The VGF gene product, and/or its WY 14643 derived peptides, appear to be involved in reproduction since vgf null mice were sexually immature and almost completely infertile. The 66 kDa VGF precursor is composed of 617 or 615 amino acid residues, and gives rise to several low molecular weight VGF peptides which are abundant in multiple brain regions, peripheral neurones, and certain endocrine and neuroendocrine cell populations. Despite their abundance and wide distribution, limited data are available on their role and function/s. Among the VGF peptides with proven biological activity are included TLQP-21, TLQP-62 and the peptides called NERPs. TLQP-21 was shown to act on various mechanisms, including the regulation of energy balance, inflammatory and neuropathic pain, chronic stress, and gastric motility and emptying. With respect to reproduction, induction of VGF mRNA was reported in the pituitary immediately after the estrus, in parallel with a clear-cut decrease in certain VGF peptides, as well as changes in their localisation in gonadotrophs and lactotrophs. A distinct seasonal modulation in cell-type-specific processing of the VGF precursor was revealed in the anterior pituitary of female sheep, while significant upregulation of VGF mRNA was found related to reproductive maturation in baboon ovary. More recently, TLQP-21 was shown to exert a number of actions on the rat reproductive axis. Central administration of TLQP-21 in pubertal and adult male rats induced gonadotrophin secretion via release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and stimulated testosterone secretion in vitro in pre-pubertal animals.