Interference-Causing Genes Sex Organs?

A number of scientists from Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Australia, claims new findings in the form of a human gene that can cause male embryo develop female genitalia.

Andrew Sinclair of the research institute hopes these findings may aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of sex development or genital organs.

According to New Scientist reports, researchers showed data that one than 4,500 babies have a gene mutation that can cause disorders of sex development (DSD).

This often led to ambiguous genitalia or a physical appearance that contrasts with their chromosomal gender. For example, girls who do not develop breasts or have excessive body hair.

Together with Harry Ostrer from New York University, Sinclair compared the genes of the 16 people affected by DSD, in which the male embryo develop female genitalia and affects the overall appearance. The result, all participants had a mutation in the gene MAP3K1.

According to Sinclair, MAP3K1 gene is part of a complex signaling pathway that leads to the development of normal testes. "This gene is a genetic pathway for the development of testicular length," said Roger Short, a reproductive biologist at the University of Melbourne, Australia.

Short is convinced that this gene plays an important role in the case of DSD. The team published its findings in the American Journal of Human Genetics.