The SRY gene provides instructions for making a protein called the sex-determining region Y protein. This protein is involved in male-typical sex development, which usually follows a certain pattern based on an individual’s chromosomes. People usually have 46 chromosomes in each cell. Two of the 46 chromosomes, known as X and Y, are called sex chromosomes because they help determine whether a person will develop male or female sex characteristics. Girls and women typically have two X chromosomes (46,XX karyotype), while boys and men typically have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (46,XY karyotype).
The SRY gene is found on the Y chromosome. The sex-determining region Y protein produced from this gene acts as a transcription factor, which means it attaches (binds) to specific regions of DNA and helps control the activity of particular genes. This protein starts processes that cause a fetus to develop male gonads (testes) and prevent the development of female reproductive structures (uterus and fallopian tubes).
Other Names
essential protein for sex determination in human males; sex determining region protein; sex-determining region on Y; SRY_HUMAN; TDF; TDY; testis-determining factor
Related Genetics Topics
- 46,XX testicular disorder of sex development — MedlinePlus Genetics
- Swyer syndrome — MedlinePlus Genetics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 6736
- OMIM: 480000
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
