Normal Sexual Differentiation Flashcards
Sexual Determination
Genetically controlled process dependent on the ‘switch’ on the Y chromosome.
Chromosomal determination of male & female.
Sexual Differentiation
The process by which internal and external genitalia develop as male or female
SRY gene creates ________
The testis
Absence of Y Chromosome
Ovaries
What is SRY (Sex Determining Region)
Transcription Factor
When does SRY switch on?
Switches briefly on during early development (>week7)
What does SRY switched on, make?
Gonad -> Testis -> Cells -> Hormones
Testis Develop and Form which two cells?
Sertoli and Leydig cells
Sertoli cells produce…
AMH (anti-mullarian hormone)
Leydig cells produce…
Testosterone
Picture of one chromosome:
Euchromatin and Heterochromatin
Pseudoatosomal Region
Mechanism of SRY action
SOX 9’s first positive feedback mechanism?
SOX9 can bind its own upstream activation site so its levels remain high even if SRY declines.
This is a positive feedback mechanism.
Mechanism of SRY action
SOX9 activation stimulates production of?
and by what?
Stimulates production of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) by the pre-sertoli cells.
Mechanism of SRY action - How does SOX9 achieve its effects?
What does PGD2 act as?
Acts as a paracrine hormone to stimulate further SOX9 production in these cells.
Mechanism of SRY action - How does SOX9 achieve its effects?
SOX-9 stimulates production of?
SOX9 stimulates production of fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9).
Mechanism of SRY action - How does SOX9 achieve its effects?
FGF-9 acts as a _____
It further stimulates what?
FGF9 acts as a chemotactic factor for cell migration into the developing testis.
It also further stimulates the production of SOX9 a third positive feedback mechanism.
Mechanism of SRY action - How does SOX9 achieve its effects?
SOX-9 also stimulates production of?
anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH).
Mechanism of SRY action - How does SOX9 achieve its effects?
AMH causes the regression of the…⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
mullerian ducts
which develop into the uterus and fallopian tubes in the female!
Mechanism of SRY action - How does SOX9 achieve its effects?
SOX9 inhibits the production of female transcription factors:⠀
Female Transcription Factors
WNT4 & FOXL2
Bipotential meaning
Gonads that can develop into either male or female
Where do the precursors of bipotential gonads come from? and what are they called?
common somatic mesenchymal tissue precursors called the genital ridge primordia