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Profiling Individual Human Embryonic Stem Cells by Quantitative RT-PCR
Published on: May 29, 2014
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Sex-dependent gene expression in human pluripotent stem cells
Daniel Ronen1, Nissim Benvenisty1
1Stem Cell Unit, Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
Cell Reports
|August 16, 2014
Summary
Genetic factors, not just hormones, drive early sex differences. The Y chromosome and SRY gene influence human pluripotent stem cell development and differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Sexual dimorphism is observed in many traits, often attributed to hormonal differences.
- However, early embryonic development shows sex-specific differences predating hormonal influence, suggesting genetic origins.
- The role of the Y chromosome in early human development beyond sex determination is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Y-chromosome-driven genetic differences in human pluripotent stem cells.
- To identify autosomal genes with sex-specific expression in embryonic stem cells.
- To explore the influence of the Y chromosome and SRY on stem cell differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Comparative gene expression profiling of male and X-inactivated female human pluripotent stem cells.
- Analysis of gene expression in reprogrammed stem cells.
- Identification of differentially expressed autosomal genes.
Main Results:
- Y-chromosome-driven gene expression differences were detected between male and female pluripotent stem cells.
- The sex-determining gene SRY was found to be expressed in male pluripotent stem cells and induced by reprogramming.
- Over 200 autosomal genes showed differential expression, with some involved in steroid metabolism and estrone response.
Conclusions:
- The Y chromosome, particularly the SRY gene, plays a role in sex-specific gene expression in human pluripotent stem cells.
- Early genetic differences, driven by the Y chromosome, may influence the growth and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells.
- These findings suggest a genetic basis for early sexual dimorphism in human development.
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