Differential development of XX and XY preimplantation embryos and TSPX and SRY gene expression pattern

• Grant number: 05/00616-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2005
• End date: April 30, 2008
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Ester Silveira Ramos
• Grantee: Ester Silveira Ramos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Sexual differential development in the embryo prior to differentiation of the gonad has been documented. The potentially unbalanced expression at preimplantation developmental stages of chromosome X or Y-linked genes might be responsible by the faster development of male than female embryos. Expression of the SRY (Sex-determining Region on Y chromosome) gene, implicated in sex determination in males, has been reported to occur at these early stages. A TSPY (Testis-Specific Protein, Y-encoded) homologue with similar gene structure that lies on the X chromosome in human (TSPX) has been reported. Experimentation with human embryos has become an important breakthrough in medical research. However, it is also a source of controversy, due to ethical problems. The objective of this study is to verify the expression pattern of the SRY and the TSPX genes by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real time PCR assay, using an animal model. The bovine embryos will be produced by in vitro fertilization (2-4, 4-8, 8-16, 16-32 cells, morulae, and blastocyst). As we gain a better understanding of how males and females develop we will be able to elucidate its role in normal embryo development and human diseases. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

A. ARAÚJO; E.S. RAMOS. Cryptic mosaicism involving a second chromosome X in patients with Turner syndrome. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, v. 41, n. 5, p. 368-372, 2008-05-00. (05/00616-5)

ÁLVARO F.L. RIOS; DANIELA C. LEMOS; MAURÍCIO B. FERNANDES; MARIA V. ANDREA; MARCUS V.M. GOMES; RAYSILDO B. LÔBO; MENDELSON MAZUCATO; ESTER S. RAMOS. Expression of the CTCF gene in bovine oocytes and preimplantation embryos. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, v. 30, n. 4, p. 1202-1205, 2007-00-00. (05/00616-5)