The molecular genetics of ovarian differentiation in the avian model.
Sex Dev
; 7(1-3): 80-94, 2013.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22986345
ABSTRACT
In birds as in mammals, sex is determined at fertilization by the inheritance of sex chromosomes. However, sexual differentiation - development of a male or female phenotype - occurs during embryonic development. Sex differentiation requires the induction of sex-specific developmental pathways in the gonads, resulting in the formation of ovaries or testes. Birds utilize a different sex chromosome system to that of mammals, where females are the heterogametic sex (carrying Z and W chromosomes), while males are homogametic (carrying 2 Z chromosomes). Therefore, while some genes essential for testis and ovarian development are conserved, important differences also exist. Namely, the key mammalian male-determining factor SRY does not exist in birds, and another transcription factor, DMRT1, plays a central role in testis development. In contrast to our understanding of testis development, ovarian differentiation is less well-characterized. Given the presence of a female-specific chromosome, studies in chicken will provide insight into the induction and function of female-specific gonadal pathways. In this review, we discuss sexual differentiation in chicken embryos, with emphasis on ovarian development. We highlight genes that may play a conserved role in this process, and discuss how interaction between ovarian pathways may be regulated.
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Ovario
/
Diferenciación Sexual
/
Pollos
/
Modelos Animales
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Sex Dev
Asunto de la revista:
CIENCIAS DO COMPORTAMENTO
Año:
2013
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Australia