Fgf9 and Wnt4 Regulate Sex Determination in Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Yuna, Kobayashi Akio, Sekido Ryohei, DiNapoli Leo, Brennan Jennifer, Chaboissier Marie-Christine, Poulat Francis, Behringer Richard R, Lovell-Badge Robin, Capel Blanche
Primary Institution: Duke University Medical Center
Hypothesis
Fgf9 and Wnt4 act as opposing signals to regulate sex determination in mammals.
Conclusion
The study shows that the fate of the gonad is controlled by antagonism between Fgf9 and Wnt4, with Sry tipping the balance towards male differentiation.
Supporting Evidence
- Loss of Fgf9 leads to XY sex reversal.
- Loss of Wnt4 results in partial testis development in XX gonads.
- FGF9 and WNT4 act as opposing signals in the gonadal field.
- Sry initiates a feed-forward loop between Sox9 and Fgf9.
- FGF9 represses the ovary-promoting gene Wnt4.
Takeaway
This study found that two signals, Fgf9 and Wnt4, work against each other to decide if a mouse will develop as male or female.
Methodology
The study used gain- and loss-of-function experiments in mice to investigate the roles of Fgf9 and Wnt4 in sex determination.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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