鸟类的性别由性染色体(ZZ雄性, ZW雌性)的遗传物质决定。在胚胎期, 1条或2条性染色体上的基因控制着鸟类性别的分化, ZZ雄性性腺发育成睾丸, ZW雌性性腺发育成卵巢。DMRT1(Doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1)被认为是目前为止调节性腺分化的最佳候选基因。然而, 最近的研究发现, 鸟类的性别独立于性激素信号而表现为细胞自主性。因此, 鸟类的性别决定基因不仅仅要控制性腺的分化, 而且能操纵全身的细胞。从这个意义上说, DMRT1不可能是鸟类性别决定的开关基因。文章将从W染色体与卵巢发育、Z染色体与睾丸发育及性别决定的自主性等3个方面对鸟类性别决定与性别分化机制取得的最新进展进行阐述, 为研究鸟类性别决定的开关因子、性别决定的分子机理奠定基础。
Avian sex is determined by genes on the sex chromosomes (ZZ for male and ZW for female). In avian embryo stage, genes on one or two chromosomes control the sex differentiation. Gonad develops to testis in ZZ male and to ovary in ZW female. To date, DMRT1 (Doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1) is considered to be the best candidate gene in controlling the avian gonad differentiation. However, recent study showed that avian sex might be determined by cell autonomous independent of sex hormone signal. Therefore, sex determination gene does not only control the gonadal differentiation, but also control body cells. From this sense, DMRT1 is not the switch gene of avian sex determination. What is the switch factor of avian sex determination, and what is the mechanism of avian sex determination? This review discussed the current progresses on avian sex determination and differentiation from three aspects: W chromo-some and ovary development, Z chromosome and testis development, and avian sex determination and cell autonomous.
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