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Electroporation of Sliced Human Cortical Organoids for Studies of Gene Function
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Gender development and the human brain.

Melissa Hines1

  • 1Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3RQ, United Kingdom. mh504@cam.ac.uk

Annual Review of Neuroscience
|March 29, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Prenatal testosterone exposure significantly shapes children's sex-typical interests and behaviors, including gender identity and sexual orientation. Hormonal influences and early experiences interact to organize neurobehavioral development throughout life.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

Background:

  • Prenatal gonadal hormone exposure, particularly testosterone, is linked to sex-typical interests in children.
  • Evidence suggests testosterone influences sexual orientation, gender identity, and certain cognitive/personality traits exhibiting sex differences.
  • Hormonal influences on neurobehavioral organization may occur during critical periods beyond prenatal development, including infancy and puberty.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the multifaceted influences of prenatal testosterone on human sex-related behavioral development.
  • To examine the roles of early infancy and puberty as potential critical periods for hormonal effects on neurobehavior.
  • To investigate the interplay between hormonal, genetic, and experiential factors in shaping gender development.

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Main Methods:

  • Review of existing evidence on prenatal hormone exposure and behavioral outcomes.
  • Analysis of studies examining hormonal influences during infancy and puberty.
  • Exploration of genetic and socialization factors in gender development.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal testosterone exposure is a significant factor in developing sex-typical toy preferences and activity interests.
  • Testosterone's influence extends to sexual orientation, core gender identity, and specific sex-related cognitive and personality characteristics.
  • Sex-linked genes and postnatal experiences, including socialization, also play crucial roles in gender development.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal testosterone is a key determinant of sex-related behavioral development, impacting interests, identity, and orientation.
  • Hormonal influences on neurobehavioral organization may occur across multiple developmental stages.
  • Understanding the neural mechanisms of both hormonal and experiential influences is crucial for a comprehensive view of gender development.