Sox3 Gene Causes Female-to-Male Sex Reversal in Japanese Frog
Author Information
Author(s): Miura Ikuo, Hasegawa Yoshinori, Ito Michihiko, Ezaz Tariq, Ogata Mitsuaki
Primary Institution: Amphibian Research Center, Hiroshima University, Japan
Hypothesis
Is Sox3 involved in sex determination in the Japanese frog Glandirana rugosa?
Conclusion
Disruption of the Sox3 gene leads to female-to-male sex reversal in ZW frogs, indicating its role in female determination.
Supporting Evidence
- Sox3 mRNA levels were higher in ZW females than in ZZ males.
- Disruption of Sox3 generated sex-reversed ZW males and hermaphrodites.
- Sox3 is expressed in somatic cells of ZW gonads during early development.
- High mutation rates in Sox3 were observed in sex-reversed individuals.
Takeaway
The Sox3 gene helps frogs be female, and when it's broken, some frogs can turn into males instead.
Methodology
The study involved gene expression analysis and TALEN gene editing to disrupt Sox3 in Glandirana rugosa.
Limitations
The study did not explore the long-term effects of Sox3 disruption beyond two years.
Participant Demographics
Frogs from the ZW population in North-west Japan.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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