Genetic regulation of avian testis development

Martin Estermann, Andrew T. Major, Craig A. Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalReview ArticleResearchpeer-review

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

As in other vertebrates, avian testes are the site of spermatogenesis and androgen produc-tion. 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 sub-sequently 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 indi-rectly 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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1459
Number of pages26
JournalGenes
Volume12
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Sept 2021

Keywords

  • AMH
  • Chicken testis
  • DMRT1
  • Gonadal development
  • PAX2
  • Sex determination
  • SOX9

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