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The biochemical role of SRY in sex determination
Author(s) -
R. Harley V.,
N. Goodfellow P.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.1080390211
Subject(s) - testis determining factor , biology , y chromosome , hmg box , dna , genetics , gene , microbiology and biotechnology , dna binding protein , transcription factor
The human sex‐determining gene on the Y chromosome, termed SRY , has recently been isolated by positional cloning; compelling evidence now exists equating SRY with the testis‐determing factor, TDF . The SRY gene product is an HMG box protein whose DNA‐binding activity is vital for testis formation as sex‐reversed patients with SRY mutations lack this activity in vitro. The in vivo DNA target for SRY, however, remains elusive. Here, we show, by gel retardation analysis, that SRY recognises specific DNA sequences and that such sequences exist upstream of the AMH promoter, a potential downstream target for SRY. We also describe the DNA bending and cruciform DNA‐binding functions of SRY and propose a model for the potential action of SRY in the “HMG‐1‐rich” mammalian nucleus. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.