Open AccessKnockout of the HMG domain of the porcine SRY gene causes sex reversal in gene-edited pigs
Author(s) -
Stefanie Kurtz,
Andrea LucasHahn,
Brigitte Schlegelberger,
Gudrun Göhring,
Andres Hilfiker,
Thomas C. Mettenleiter,
Björn Petersen
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2008743118
Subject(s) - testis determining factor , biology , sex reversal , gene knockout , y chromosome , genetics , gene , knockout mouse , disorders of sex development , sox9 , humanized mouse , sexual differentiation , gene expression , immune system
Significance The present work characterizes the porcine sex-determining region on the Y chromosome (SRY) gene and demonstrates its pivotal role in sex determination. We provide evidence that genetically male pigs with a knockout of the SRY gene undergo sex reversal of the external and internal genitalia. This discovery of SRY as the main switch for sex determination in pigs may provide an alternative for surgical castration in pig production, preventing boar taint. As the pig shares many genetic, physiological, and anatomical similarities with humans, it also provides a suitable large animal model for human sex reversal syndromes, allowing for the development of new interventions for human sex disorders.