CHROMOSOMAL AND TEMPERATURE-DEPENDENT SEX DETERMINATION - THE SEARCH FOR A CONSERVED MECHANISM

To test the hypothesis that the same (or similar) genes may be involve d in chromosomal sex determination and temperature dependent sex deter mination we investigated the expression of the mammalian testis determ ining gene SRY in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), a species with temperature dependent sex. We have cloned Alligator SR Y-related genes (A-Srys) which constitute three major gene classes wit h high degrees of sequence homology (45-87%) to mammalian SRY and rela ted genes. Expression analysis and cellular localisation studies using staged embryonic material from male and female incubation temperature s are underway to assess the role of A-Sry genes in temperature depend ent sex determination. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.