Male-to-female sex reversal in M33 mutant mice
Article Abstract:
The repressed state of homeotic genes in Drosophila is maintained by Polycomb genes, which mediate changes in higher-order chromatin structure. The fifth exon of the mouse homologue of Polycomb, M33, contains a homologic region shared by Drosophila and Xenopus. The deletion of the exon causes a loss of Polycomb function in Drosophila. A new study shows that disruption of M33 in mice results in some individuals showing male-to-female sex reversal and suggests that M33 deficiency may interfere with gonadal development.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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An X-linked gene with a degenerate Y-linked homologue in a dioecious plant
Article Abstract:
Dioecious plants, with individuals of separate sexes, account for less than 4% of plant species. Many dioecious species have their sex determined by chromosome-mediation and provide scientists with an opportunity to study the evolution of sex chromosomes. A study of the X-linked gene sequence of the dioecious plant Silene latifolia (white campion) shows the existence of a degenerate Y-linked homologue for an X-linked locus.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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X-chromosome-counting mechanisms that determine nematode sex
Article Abstract:
Scientists have identified two molecular mechanisms which work together to repress the X-chromosome in the sex determination process of the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans. The first represses the transcription of xol-1 protein in XX types. The second effectively lowers the xol-1 protein level in situ. Both mechanisms allow the x-chromosome counting process to determine whether the organism is male or hermaphrodite.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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