The Genetics and Biology of Sex Determination

Although nature employs a wide variety of sex–determining mechanisms, it is only comparatively recently that the tools have become available for these to be explored at the molecular and cellular levels. A major landmark was the discovery in 1990 of the Sry gene and the subsequent demonstration of its key role in triggering male sex determination in transgenic mice. Since that time, while other key genes in the sex–determining pathway have been uncovered, the story remains far from complete.
This ground–breaking book draws together leading researchers to review and discuss the most recent advances in the understanding of the molecular genetic pathways of sex determination. Coverage includes the genetics and biochemistry of mammalian sex determination, comparisons with other modes of sex determination, and consideration of the biology of sexual development and of the evolution of sex–determining mechanisms. A major theme running through several chapters is the value of comparative studies of sex–determining mechanisms in different species. In addition, clinical aspects and the genetic analysis of anomalies of human sexual development are also addressed. This exciting book reviews much new and exciting work in this area and identifies promising new research directions.



Spis treści:
Chair′s Introduction (R. Short).
Sex–determining genes in mice: building pathways (R. Lovell–Badge, et al.).
Early gonadal development: exploring Wtl and Sox9 function (J. Guo, et al.).
General Discussion I: The mechanism of action of SRY.
Anomalies of human sexual development: clinical aspects and genetic analysis (E. Vilain).
The molecular action of testis–determining factors SRY and SOX 9 (V. Harley).
Concerted regulation of gonad differentiation by transcription factors and growth factors (T. Suzuki, et al.).
General Discussion II.
Evolution of the testis–determinin g gene – the rise and fall of SRY (Marshall Graves).
A Comparative Analysis of vertebrate Sex Determination (A. Sinclair, et al.).
Invertebrates may not be so different after all (D. Zarkower).
The hormonal control of sexual development (M. Renfree, et al.).
Genetic studies of MIS signalling in sexual development (S. Jamin, et al.)
Social regulation of the brain: sex, size and status (R. Fernald).
The battle of the sexes: opposing pathways in sex determination (H. Hung–Chang Yao, et al).
General Discussion III: True Hermaphroditism and the Formation of the Ovotestis.
The evolution of chromosomal sex determination (B. Charlesworth).
The molecular genetic jigsaw puzzle of vertebrate sex determination and its missing pieces (G. Scherer).
Expression–based strategies for discover of genes involved in testis and ovary development (P. Koopman, et al.).
Final General Discussion.
Index of Contributors.
Subject Index.

Okładka tylna:
Although nature employs a wide variety of sex–determining mechanisms, it is only comparatively recently that the tools have become available for these to be explored at the molecular and cellular levels. A major landmark was the discovery in 1990 of the Sry gene and the subsequent demonstration of its key role in triggering male sex determination in transgenic mice. Since that time, while other key genes in the sex–determining pathway have been uncovered, the story remains far from complete.
This ground–breaking book draws together leading researchers to review and discuss the most recent advances in the understanding of the molecular genetic pathways of sex determination. Coverage includes the genetics and biochemistry of mammalian sex determination, comparisons with other modes of sex determination, and consideration of the biology of sexual development and of the evolution of sex–determining mechanisms. A major theme running through seve ral chapters is the value of comparative studies of sex–determining mechanisms in different species. In addition, clinical aspects and the genetic analysis of anomalies of human sexual development are also addressed. This exciting book reviews much new and exciting work in this area and identifies promising new research directions.