Transcriptional Regulation of the Y-Linked Mammalian Testis-Determining Gene SRY

Mammalian male sex differentiation is triggered during embryogenesis by the activation of the Y-linked testis-determining gene SRY. Since insufficient or delayed expression of SRY results in XY gonadal sex reversal, accurate regulation of SRY is critical for male development in XY animals. In humans, dysregulation of SRY may cause disorders of sex development. Mouse Sry is the most intensively studied mammalian model of sex determination. Sry expression is controlled in a spatially and temporally stringent manner. Several transcription factors play a key role in sex determination as transacting factors for Sry expression. In addition, recent studies have shown that several epigenetic modifications of Sry are involved in sex determination as cis- acting factors for Sry expression. Herein, we review the current understanding of transcription factor- and epigenetic modifier-mediated regulation of SRY/Sry expression. (c) 2021 S. Karger AG, Basel

Automated summary

Accurate regulation of SRY is critical for male development in XY animals, with Sry expression being controlled in a spatially and temporally stringent manner by several transcription factors and epigenetic modifications acting on Sry expression.