The unique gene is capable to transform an ovary into a ...

German scientists have found out, that deenergizing of a unique gene in an adult organism leads to an ovary degeneration in a testicle, the truth, not developing spermatozoons. Therefore the ovary should suppress constantly this possibility to "transformation", informs EurekAlert!

Such ability of an adult organ to transsexualism under the influence of a unique gene is shown for the first time - till now the majority of scientists considered, that it is impossible. Besides, the find of scientists denies the previous concept that ovaries are "a configuration of genitals by default".

Such point of view was based that the factor of transcription SRY which has been found out in a man's Y-chromosome is necessary for development of genitals as testicles. This factor operates at the expense of activation of gene Sox9 which is responsible for development of man's genitals.

However the research spent at the Cologne university, has shown, that Sox9 can be active and in a female organism, reborn ovaries in testicles. That it did not occur, functions Sox9 constantly choke with the factor of transcription FOXL2.

Scientists have proved it by deducing genetically engineered mice at which the gene coding FOXL2 can be disconnected at any moment. It has appeared, that if this gene is inactive since a birth, the ovary does not become a testicle, and simply does not ripen. If a gene to switch off at an adult animal, the cells specific to an ovary, turn in specific to a testicle and start to develop a man's sexual hormone Testosteron-Depotum.
The further researches have shown, that FOXL2 suppresses Sox9, co-operating with receptors to female sexual hormones to estrogens. Therefore when at a climacterium estrogen development decreases, the ovary part can get structure similar to a testicle.

According to the principal of Mathias Treier's research , results of work help to understand mechanisms of some sexual disturbances at children and a premature menopause at women. In due course it can lead to creation of the medicines treating similar disturbances at gene level.

Drug Search