Normally, a person has either a male chromosome set (XY) or a female chromosome set (XX). However, various chromosomal abnormalities and disorders are also possible in which this set is disrupted. For example, an embryo can develop as a female despite having a male chromosome set. This is what geneticist Konstantin Krutovsky, professor at SFU and the University of Göttingen, told socialbites.ca.
“The SRY gene on the Y chromosome is mainly responsible for the male sex in humans. If it is lost or mutated, the embryo can develop as a female despite the male XY chromosome set. More complex (and rare) cases are also possible in males, when sperm carrying the male SRY gene and X chromosomes can develop. When fertilized with such sperm, individuals with male characteristics can develop, but at the same time a completely female XX chromosome set (de la Chapelle syndrome) can develop,” said the geneticist.
However, not only the genes on the Y chromosome are responsible for the male gender, but also the Sox9 and Enh14 genes, which are not located on the sex chromosomes.
“For example, hyperactivation of the Sox9 gene would make it possible to initiate the development of an organism according to the male type, even with the female XX chromosome set. This was shown in an experiment on mice, which means that it is quite possible that this will happen in humans. The scientist noted that there are also genes that affect testosterone levels, such as NR3C4 and SRD5A2, which can cause a “male” phenotype despite the female chromosomes.
Previously at MIPT was created Local medicine for the treatment of lung cancer.