Related function of mouse SOX3, SOX9, and SRY HMG domains assayed by male sex determination

Abstract

Sox genes encode proteins related to each other, and to the sex determining gene Sry, by the presence of a DNA binding motif known as the HMG domain. Although HMG domains can bind to related DNA sequences, Sox gene products may achieve target gene specificity by binding to preferred target sequences or by interacting with specific partner proteins. To assess their functional similarities, we replaced the HMG box of Sry with the HMG box of Sox3 or Sox9 and tested whether these constructs caused sex reversal in XX mice. Our results indicate that such chimeric transgenes can functionally replace Sry and elicit development of testis cords, male patterns of gene expression, and elaboration of male secondary sexual characteristics. This implies that chimeric SRY proteins with SOX HMG domains can bind to and regulate SRY target genes and that potential SRY partner factor interactions are not disrupted by HMG domain substitutions. genesis 28:111-124, 2000.

Molecular cloning, characterization, and expression profiles of the Sox3 gene in Chinese loach Paramisgurnus dabryanus

“…This is the first report describing Sox3 gene in P. dabryanus, the data presented here constitute a relatively reliable foundation of the Sox3 gene in fish species so far. Similar to other reported Sox3 genes, PdSox3 contains the conserved sequences of the SoxB subfamily: an HMG-box and the Soxp motif (Bergstrom, Young, Albrecht, & Eicher, 2000;Gao et al, 2015;Hyun et al, 2009). In this study the SoxB1 proteins were grouped into four distinct clades, and PdSox3 clustered firmly with other teleost Sox3 genes (Figure 2).…”

“…Sox3 is reported to be an analog of SRY in testis and associated with testicular development (Bergstrom et al, 2000;Fernandino, Guilgur, & Somoza, 2006;Takehana et al, 2014). For example, Sox3 has been found to be associated with male sex differentiation in Oryzias dancena (Indian ricefish, Takehana et al, 2014).…”

22q11.2q13 duplication including SOX10 causes sex‐reversal and peripheral demyelinating neuropathy, central dysmyelinating leukodystrophy, Waardenburg syndrome, and Hirschsprung disease

“…SOX10 belongs to the SoxE subfamily. Duplication and overexpression of other members of this gene family, namely SOX3 and SOX9 , have been associated with sex reversal (Bergstrom, Young, Albrecht, & Eicher, ; Vidal, Chaboissier, de Rooij, & Schedl, ). Similarly, disorders of sex development have been described with CNVs involving NROB1 , encoding DAX1.…”

Sex‐specific expression of SOX9 during gonadogenesis in the amphibian Xenopus tropicalis

“…Duplication or overexpression of this gene in XX individuals leads to sex reversal in the opposite direction (female to male; Huang et al,1999; Bishop et al,2000; Vidal et al,2001). The SOX9 protein can functionally substitute for the SRY protein to induce testicular differentiation (Bergstrom et al,2000). SOX9 is a highly conserved gene of the testis determination pathway in vertebrates (Foster et al,1994; Wagner et al,1994; Kent et al,1996; Morais da Silva et al,1996) as well as in Drosophila (DeFalco et al,2003).…”