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Sex differences in brain and behavior: hormones versus genes
1Laboratory of Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Gonda Center, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
Advances in Genetics
|September 25, 2007
Summary
Sex determination extends beyond reproductive structures, influencing brain and behavior. Genetic factors, independent of gonadal hormones, shape sexually dimorphic traits like aggression and sexual orientation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Mammalian sex determination traditionally focuses on gonadal development and external genitalia.
- The endpoint of sex determination is often viewed solely as reproductive structures.
- However, sex determination can lead to diverse differences, including brain, behavior, and disease susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore sex differences in brain and behavior as endpoints of sex determination.
- To investigate the role of genetic factors in sexually dimorphic traits independent of gonadal hormones.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on sex determination and sexual differentiation.
- Analysis of studies examining sex differences in brain and behavior.
Main Results:
- Sex determination encompasses more than just gonadal development, affecting various phenotypic traits.
- Genetic factors significantly influence sexually dimorphic traits, such as dopaminergic cell numbers, aggression, and sexual orientation.
- These genetic influences operate independently of fetal testicular secretions.
Conclusions:
- Sex determination is a complex process with multiple endpoints beyond reproductive anatomy.
- Genetic factors play a crucial, hormone-independent role in establishing sex differences in the brain and behavior.
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