The molecular biology of SRY and its role in sex determination in mammals

Abstract

SRY is the gene that initiates the genetic cascade leading to testis development in mammals. Since its discovery in 1990 and the direct demonstration of its male-determining role in transgenic mice, attention has turned to understanding the biochemical mode of action of the SRY gene product, and to the identification of other genes in the sex-determining pathway. Recent progress in these efforts is summarized in this review.