The AMH gene provides instructions for making a protein that is involved in male sex differentiation. During development of male fetuses, the AMH protein is produced and released (secreted) by cells of the testes. The secreted protein attaches (binds) to its receptor, which is found on the surface of Müllerian duct cells. The Müllerian duct, found in both male and female fetuses, is the precursor to the female reproductive organs. Binding of the AMH protein to its receptor induces self-destruction (apoptosis) of the Müllerian duct cells. As a result, the Müllerian duct breaks down (regresses) in males. In females, who do not produce the AMH protein during fetal development, the Müllerian duct becomes the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Other Names
anti-Muellerian hormone; MIF; MIS; muellerian-inhibiting factor; muellerian-inhibiting substance; Mullerian inhibiting factor; Mullerian inhibiting substance
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 268
- OMIM: 600957
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
