"Human sex differentiation: From transcription factors to gender"

Abstract

Over the past decade, knowledge of the genetic control of human sex differentiation has greately expanded our understanding of the developmental processes needed to form a male or female. The purpose of this review is to discuss how transcription factors are relevant to such processes. Additionally, an attempt is made to relate current knowledge of these factors with gender development of subjects with intersex conditions. Finally, we discuss how information about the genetic control of sex differentiation may contribute to decisions about medical treatment of individuals with conditions of abnormal sex differentiation. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.