Abstract

As the mammalian embryo develops, it must engage one of the two distinct programmes of gene activity, morphogenesis and organogenesis that characterize males and females. In males, sexual development hinges on testis determination and differentiation, but also involves many coordinated transcriptional, signalling and endocrine networks that underpin the masculinization of other organs and tissues, including the brain. Here we bring together current knowledge about these networks, identify gaps in the overall picture, and highlight the known defects that lead to disorders of male sexual development.

Author affiliations

1. Division of Molecular Genetics and Development, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
2. ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland.

Correspondence to: Peter Koopman² Email: p.koopman@imb.uq.edu.au

Published online 11 July 2006

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