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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
09:29
Skeletal Muscle Gender Dimorphism from Proteomics
Published on: December 14, 2011
Sexual dimorphism in mammalian gene expression
1Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8005, USA.
Trends in Genetics : TIG
|April 27, 2005
Summary
Molecular differences between males and females impact health and physiology. Research is identifying genetic factors and transcription factors that explain these sex-specific variations in mammals.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Males and females exhibit distinct phenotypic traits, health outcomes, and disease responses.
- While anatomical and hormonal sex differences are known, molecular underpinnings of gender-specific physiology and health risks are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular distinctions between mammalian sexes across various tissues.
- To identify key transcription factors regulating sex-biased gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing microarray technology and other molecular profiling techniques.
- Analyzing gene expression patterns in different mammalian tissues.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in identifying molecular differences between sexes.
- Key transcription factors involved in sex-biased gene expression have been identified.
Conclusions:
- These findings offer novel insights into the molecular and genetic basis of sex-specific behaviors and physiology in mammals.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for addressing gender-specific health risks and developing targeted therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:19X-linked Traits
In most mammalian species, females have two X sex chromosomes and males have an X and Y. As a result, mutations on the X chromosome in females may be masked by the presence of a normal allele on the second X. In contrast, a mutation on the X chromosome in males more often causes observable biological defects, as there is no normal X to compensate. Trait variations arising from mutations on the X chromosome are called “X-linked”.
02:30Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
02:45The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
In most organisms, sex is determined by the ratio of X and Y chromosomes. However, in some organisms, such as Drosophila and C.elegans, sex is determined by the ratio of the number of X chromosomes to the number of sets of autosomes. The Y chromosome in Drosophila is active but does not determine sex. It contains genes responsible for the production of sperms in adult flies.
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female Drosophila...
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female Drosophila...
01:19X-linked Traits
In most mammalian species, females have two X sex chromosomes and males have an X and Y. As a result, mutations on the X chromosome in females may be masked by the presence of a normal allele on the second X. In contrast, a mutation on the X chromosome in males more often causes observable biological defects, as there is no normal X to compensate. Trait variations arising from mutations on the X chromosome are called “X-linked”.
02:50Dosage Compensation
In animals, gender is determined by the number and type of sex chromosome. For example, human females have two X chromosomes, and males have one X and one Y chromosome, whereas C.elegans with one X chromosome is a male, and the one with two X chromosomes is a hermaphrodite.
In addition to sexual development, the X chromosome has genes involved in autosomal functions such as brain development and the immune system. Therefore, males and females with distinct numbers of X chromosomes will have...
In addition to sexual development, the X chromosome has genes involved in autosomal functions such as brain development and the immune system. Therefore, males and females with distinct numbers of X chromosomes will have...