Temperature-dependent sex determination and gonadal differentiation in reptiles.

Abstract	In many reptile species, sexual differentiation of gonads is sensitive to temperature during a critical period of embryonic development (thermosensitive period, TSP). Experiments carried out with different models among which turtles, crocodilians and lizards have demonstrated the implication of estrogens and the key role played by aromatase (the enzyme complex that converts androgens to estrogens) in ovary differentiation during TSP and in maintenance of the ovarian structure after TSP. In some of these experiments, the occurrence of various degrees of gonadal intersexuality is related to weak differences in aromatase activity, suggesting subtle regulations of the aromatase gene at the transcription level. Temperature could intervene in these regulations. Present studies deal with cloning (complementary DNAs) and expression (messenger RNAs) of genes that have been shown, or are expected, to be involved in gonadal formation and/or differentiation in mammals. Preliminary results indicate that homologues of AMH, DAX1, SF1, SOX9 and WT1 genes with the same function(s) as in mammals exist in reptiles. How these genes could interact with aromatase is being examined.
Authors	C Pieau, M Dorizzi, N Richard-Mercier
Journal	Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS (Cell Mol Life Sci) Vol. 55 Issue 6-7 Pg. 887-900 (Jun 1999) ISSN: 1420-682X [Print] Switzerland
PMID	10412370 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Review)
Chemical References	Androgens DNA, Complementary Estrogens RNA, Messenger Receptors, Estrogen Aromatase
Topics	Androgens (pharmacology, physiology) Animals Aromatase (physiology) Body Temperature Cloning, Molecular DNA, Complementary (genetics) Disorders of Sex Development (embryology) Estrogens (pharmacology, physiology) Female Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental Genes, Regulator Male Mammals (genetics) Ovary (embryology) RNA, Messenger (biosynthesis, genetics) Receptors, Estrogen (genetics) Reptiles (embryology, genetics, physiology) Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid Sex Determination Processes Sex Differentiation (drug effects, genetics) Species Specificity Temperature Testis (embryology) Time Factors

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.

Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!