Abstract
Vertebrates employ varied strategies, both chromosomal and nonchromosomal, to determine the sex of the developing embryo. Among reptiles, temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) is common. The temperature of incubation during a critical period preceding sexual differentiation determines the future sex of the embryo, presumably by altering the activity or expression of a temperature-dependent regulatory factor(s). Here we examine the expression of the Dmrt1 gene, a candidate regulator of mammalian and avian sexual development, in the turtle. During the sex-determining period, Dmrt1 mRNA is more abundant in genital ridge/mesonephros complexes at male-promoting than at female-promoting temperatures. Dmrt1 is the first gene found to show temperature-dependent expression prior to sexual differentiation, and may play a key role in sexual development in reptiles.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 174-178 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Genesis |
Volume | 26 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1 2000 |
Keywords
- Dmrt1
- Reptile
- Sex determination
- TSD
- Temperature-dependent
- Testis, T. scripta