The only molecular similarity shown so far for sexual regulatory genes among different phyla involves doublesex ( @entity37618 ) of @entity238 , mab-3 and mab-23 of @entity2199 , and @entity11492 of vertebrates. These genes encode @entity3918 domain transcription factors ( @entity3918 = @entity37618 and mab-3) and are required for sexual differentiation. In the case of @entity37618 and mab-3, the two genes control analogous aspects of sexual development, bind similar DNA sequences, and are capable of functional substitution in vivo. All three phyla have multiple @entity3918 domain genes, but it is unknown how many of these are involved in sexual development. Mammals, for example, have at least seven @entity3918 domain genes, but embryonic expression has only been examined in detail for @entity11492 ). We have identified additional @entity19 @entity3918 domain genes and have examined their expression in the @entity19 embryo, with emphasis on the developing gonad. At least three @entity19 @entity3918 domain genes in addition to @entity11492 are expressed in the embryonic gonad: @entity70465 is expressed at similar levels in gonads of both sexes; @entity70466 is more highly expressed in males; and @entity70467 is more highly expressed in females. Expression of three other genes is low or absent in the embryonic gonad. Two of these, @entity70468 and @entity70469 , are expressed primarily in the brain, and the third, @entity70470 , is expressed in presomitic mesoderm and developing somites. Our data suggest that multiple @entity3918 domain genes may be involved in @entity1 sexual development, and that they may function in both testis and ovary development.

Sexually dimorphic expression of multiple doublesex-related genes in the embryonic XXXX gonad.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['mammalian'] @entity70466 :: ('240590(Tax:10090)', 'Gene') :: ['Dmrt3'] @entity2199 :: ('6239', 'Species') :: ['Caenorhabditis elegans'] @entity70465 :: ('242523(Tax:10090)', 'Gene') :: ['Dmrt4'] @entity37618 :: ('40940(Tax:7227)', 'Gene') :: ['dsx'] @entity19 :: ('10090', 'Species') :: ['mouse', 'murine'] @entity70468 :: ('242620(Tax:10090)', 'Gene') :: ['Dmrt5'] @entity70470 :: ('226049(Tax:10090)', 'Gene') :: ['Dmrt2'] @entity70467 :: ('71241(Tax:10090)', 'Gene') :: ['Dmrt7'] @entity11492 :: ('50796(Tax:10090)', 'Gene') :: ['Dmrt1(dsx- and mab-3 related transcription factor 1', 'Dmrt1'] @entity70469 :: ('56296(Tax:10090)', 'Gene') :: ['Dmrt6'] @entity3918 :: ('MESH:D009223', 'Disease') :: ['DM'] @entity238 :: ('7227', 'Species') :: ['Drosophila']
@entity19 :: (10090,Species) :: ['mouse']
