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Endocrine Reviews 24 (4): 466-487
Copyright © 2003 by The Endocrine Society

The Molecular Action and Regulation of the Testis-Determining Factors, SRY (Sex-Determining Region on the Y Chromosome) and SOX9 [SRY-Related High-Mobility Group (HMG) Box 9]

Vincent R. Harley, Michael J. Clarkson and Anthony Argentaro

Prince Henry’s Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia; and Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom

Correspondence: Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Dr. Vincent R. Harley, Prince Henry’s Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Center, P.O. Box 5152, Clayton 3168, Australia. E-mail: Vincent.harley{at}med.monash.edu.au

Despite 12 yr since the discovery of SRY, little is known at the molecular level about how SRY and the SRY-related protein, SOX9 [SRY-related high-mobility group (HMG) box 9], initiate the program of gene expression required to commit the bipotential embryonic gonad to develop into a testis rather than an ovary. Analysis of SRY and SOX9 clinical mutant proteins and XX mice transgenic for testis-determining genes have provided some insight into their normal functions. SRY and SOX9 contain an HMG domain, a DNA-binding motif. The HMG domain plays a central role, being highly conserved between species and the site of nearly all missense mutations causing XY gonadal dysgenesis. SRY and SOX9 are architectural transcription factors; their HMG domain is capable of directing nuclear import and DNA bending. Whether SRY and SOX9 activate testis-forming genes, repress ovary-forming genes, or both remains speculative until downstream DNA target genes are identified. However, factors that control SRY and SOX9 gene expression have been identified, as have a dozen sex-determining genes, allowing some of the pieces in this molecular genetic puzzle to be connected. Many genes, however, remain unidentified, because in the majority of cases of XY females and in all cases of XX males lacking SRY, the mutated gene is unknown.




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