A gene from the human sex-determining region encodes a protein with homology to a conserved DNA-binding motif

Abstract

A search of a 35-kilobase region of the human Y chromosome necessary for male sex determination has resulted in the identification of a new gene. This gene is conserved and Y-specific among a wide range of mammals, and encodes a testis-specific transcript. It shares homology with the mating-type protein, Mc, from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and a conserved DNA-binding motif present in the nuclear high-mobility-group proteins HMG1 and HMG2. This gene has been termed SRY (for sex-determining region Y) and proposed to be a candidate for the elusive testis-determining gene, TDF.

Sex redefined

“…In 1990, researchers made headlines when they uncovered the identity of this gene 3,4 , which they called SRY. Just by itself, this gene can switch the gonad from ovarian to testicular development.…”

Did sex chromosome turnover promote divergence of the major mammal groups?

“…1). All eutherians have the same XY chromosome pair, defined by a male‐dominant testis‐determining gene identified as SRY 36. SRY activates a genetic pathway that promotes differentiation of a bipotential gonad into a testis in the embryo and suppresses ovarian development 37, 38.…”

A genetically female brain is required for a regular reproductive cycle in chicken brain chimeras

“…Genes located on the Y chromosome, including the SRY gene in mammalian species [1][2][3] and DMY in some fish 4 , are critical for testis development. In contrast to gonadal development, most evidence suggests that the brain is masculinized during the foetal or neonatal period by the action of androgen hormones secreted from the testes, regardless of the presence of the SRY gene in brain tissue.…”