Sex-determining region Y protein (SRY)

Sex-determining region Y protein (SRY) is a DNA-binding transcription factor encoded by the SRY gene on the Y chromosome and is crucial for initiating male sex determination in therian mammals[1][2]. SRY upregulates SOX9 expression in the bipotential gonad, triggering Sertoli cell formation, which leads to the development of testes and subsequent male differentiation[1][2][3][4][5][6]. In the absence or mutation of SRY, an XY individual can develop as phenotypically female, while aberrant presence or activation in XX individuals can result in male traits[1][3]. SRY acts primarily during early fetal development and belongs to the SOX (SRY-box) gene family, with its sequence-specific HMG domain mediating DNA binding and bending[1][5][6]. Mutations in SRY's HMG domain are a major cause of XY sex reversal and disorders of sex development in humans[1][3][6]. SRY is not considered a traditional therapeutic target, as its critical role is limited to development and not subject to pharmacological modulation[3][6].

Other names

Testis-determining factorTDFtestis-determining factorSRYsex-determining region Y proteinsex-determining region on Ytestis-determining factor on YSRXX1SRXY1TDY