Sexually dimorphic gene expression in non-human primate ESCs analyzed stringently
Dorit Shweiki1, Ahmi Ben-Yehudah, Carrie Redinger
1Bioinformatics Program, School of Computer Science, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, Israel. dorits@mta.ac.il
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|October 19, 2011
Summary
Researchers identified sexually dimorphic gene expression in non-human primate embryonic stem cells (nhpESCs). This study enhances understanding of early developmental processes contributing to sexual dimorphism in humans.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Stem Cell Research
Background:
- Sexual dimorphism is evident in humans from early development through adulthood.
- Understanding the genetic basis of early sexual dimorphism is crucial for developmental biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sexually dimorphic gene expression in non-human primate embryonic stem cells (nhpESCs).
- To identify genes contributing to early sexual dimorphism and compare findings with human embryonic stem cell (hESC) data.
Main Methods:
- Stringent analysis of gene expression in pedigreed nhpESCs using location-specific probes to avoid cross-reactivity.
- Verification of identified sexually dimorphic transcripts using real-time quantitative PCR (q-PCR).
- Comparison of nhpESC findings with available human ESC datasets.
Main Results:
- Seventeen sexually dimorphic transcripts, representing 15 genes (9 autosomal), were identified in nhpESCs.
- Five of these transcripts were validated via real-time q-PCR.
- Three human X-linked genes exhibited sexual dimorphism when compared to nhpESC data.
Conclusions:
- The study identified novel sexually dimorphic gene expression in early development using nhpESCs.
- Findings suggest conserved mechanisms of sexual dimorphism between non-human primates and humans, particularly on the X chromosome.
- This research deepens the understanding of the genetic underpinnings of early sexual differentiation.
