The Curious Case of Avian Sex Determination

Smith, Craig A.; Major, Andrew T.; Estermann, Martín

doi:10.1016/j.tig.2021.03.006

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…In addition to a generally smaller size, the bird genome is characterized by a lower number of repetitive elements [53,54], a low proportion of non-coding regions in general, and intensive evidence of gene loss [54]. Sex in birds is specified genetically, with the female being heterogametic (ZW sex chromosomes) and male homogametic (ZZ sex chromosomes) in contrast to eutherian mammals [55,56]. Phylogenomic analyses indicated that chrZ and chrX evolved separately from different autosomes, and likely originated from the dimorphic expression of autosomal genes involved in sex differentiation [57].…”

Section: Avian and Peafowl Genomics And Genetics Avian And Peafowl Om...mentioning

confidence: 99%

A Bird’s-Eye View of Endangered Species Conservation: Avian Genomics and Stem Cell Approaches for Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus)

Intarapat,

Sukparangsi,

Gusev

et al. 2023

Genes

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Aves ranks among the top two classes for the highest number of endangered and extinct species in the kingdom Animalia. Notably, the IUCN Red List classified the green peafowl as endangered. This highlights promising strategies using genetics and reproductive technologies for avian wildlife conservation. These platforms provide the capacity to predict population trends and enable the practical breeding of such species. The conservation of endangered avian species is facilitated through the application of genomic data storage and analysis. Storing the sequence is a form of biobanking. An analysis of sequence can identify genetically distinct individuals for breeding. Here, we reviewed avian genomics and stem cell approaches which not only offer hope for saving endangered species, such as the green peafowl but also for other birds threatened with extinction.

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Section: Avian and Peafowl Genomics And Genetics Avian And Peafowl Om...mentioning

confidence: 99%

A Bird’s-Eye View of Endangered Species Conservation: Avian Genomics and Stem Cell Approaches for Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus)

Intarapat,

Sukparangsi,

Gusev

et al. 2023

Genes

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“…This applies to various tissues tested in embryonic and adult chickens, and in other birds that have been examined [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. Hence, different levels of different Z-linked genes may regulate sexually dimorphic anatomy in birds; the DMRT1 gene in the gonads, and other Z-linked genes in other tissues (or female-biased genes expressed from the W sex chromosome) [ 33 ]. Developmentally, it has been proposed that gynandromorphs may arise due to failure of polar body extrusion during meiosis in the ZW ovum, and subsequent fertilization of the W and Z pronuclei by two Z-bearing sperm.…”

Section: Avian Sex Determinationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic Regulation of Avian Testis Development

Estermann

Major

Smith

2021

Genes

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As in other vertebrates, avian testes are the site of spermatogenesis and androgen production. The paired testes of birds differentiate during embryogenesis, first marked by the development of pre-Sertoli cells in the gonadal primordium and their condensation into seminiferous cords. Germ cells become enclosed in these cords and enter mitotic arrest, while steroidogenic Leydig cells subsequently differentiate around the cords. This review describes our current understanding of avian testis development at the cell biology and genetic levels. Most of this knowledge has come from studies on the chicken embryo, though other species are increasingly being examined. In chicken, testis development is governed by the Z-chromosome-linked DMRT1 gene, which directly or indirectly activates the male factors, HEMGN, SOX9 and AMH. Recent single cell RNA-seq has defined cell lineage specification during chicken testis development, while comparative studies point to deep conservation of avian testis formation. Lastly, we identify areas of future research on the genetics of avian testis development.

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“…Sex in birds is specified genetically, with the female being heterogametic (ZW sex chromosomes) and male homogametic (ZZ sex chromosomes) (Fig. 1A) [1][2][3][4], opposite to eutherian mammals (male XY and female XX). Phylogenomic analyses indicated that Z and X sex chromosomes (chrZ and chrX) evolved separately from different autosomes and likely originated from dimorphic expression of autosomal genes involved in sex differentiation [5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dosage compensation of Z sex chromosome genes in avian fibroblast cells

Deviatiiarov,

Nagai,

Ismagulov

et al. 2023

Genome Biol

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In birds, sex is genetically determined; however, the molecular mechanism is not well-understood. The avian Z sex chromosome (chrZ) lacks whole chromosome inactivation, in contrast to the mammalian chrX. To investigate chrZ dosage compensation and its role in sex specification, we use a highly quantitative method and analyze transcriptional activities of male and female fibroblast cells from seven bird species. Our data indicate that three fourths of chrZ genes are strictly compensated across Aves, similar to mammalian chrX. We also present a complete list of non-compensated chrZ genes and identify Ribosomal Protein S6 (RPS6) as a conserved sex-dimorphic gene in birds.

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The Curious Case of Avian Sex Determination

Cited by 6 publications

References 8 publications

A Bird’s-Eye View of Endangered Species Conservation: Avian Genomics and Stem Cell Approaches for Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus)

A Bird’s-Eye View of Endangered Species Conservation: Avian Genomics and Stem Cell Approaches for Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus)

Genetic Regulation of Avian Testis Development

Dosage compensation of Z sex chromosome genes in avian fibroblast cells

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