Global Gene Expression in the Human Fetal Testis and Ovary

Overview

Journal Biol Reprod

Publisher Oxford University Press

Specialty Reproductive Medicine

Date 2009 Apr 17

PMID 19369649

Citations 60

Authors

Brenda Houmard

Christopher Small

Lizhong Yang

Theresa Naluai-Cecchini

Edith Cheng

Terry Hassold

Michael Griswold

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This study describes a temporal profile of gene expression from normal human fetal testes and ovaries. Gonads from 34 fetuses between 9 wk and 20 wk of gestation were obtained from the Department of Pathology and the Birth Defects Research Laboratory at the University of Washington. Relative transcript levels were determined using the Affymetrix Human Genome U133A Plus 2.0 arrays. Sex determination occurs in the human gonad at approximately 6 wk of gestation with development of the testis driven by expression of SRY. In this study, SRY transcript was present and elevated at 9 wk of gestation in the testis but was absent in the ovary. The transcript levels of other testis-specific factors SOX9 and AMH and the steroidogenic genes CYP17A1, CYP11A1, STAR, and HSD17B3 were all significantly higher in the testis. In contrast, transcripts known to be involved in meiosis, including STRA8, SPO11, SYCP3, TEX11, TEX14, and STAG3, showed highest expression in the fetal ovary beginning at Week 12. These gene expression profiles will be a resource for understanding and defining normal gonad development and provide the opportunity to dissect abnormal development.

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