Regulation of male sexual development by Sry and Sox9

Sry, a gene from the Y chromosome, is known to initiate testis formation an d subsequent male differentiation in mammals. A related gene, Sox9, also pl ays a critical role in testis determination, possibly in all vertebrates. A number of models have been presented regarding the molecular modes of acti on of these two genes. However, details regarding their regulation, regulat ory target genes, and interacting protein factors and co-factors have not b een established with any certainty. In this review, we examine new evidence and re-examine existing evidence bearing on these issues, in an effort to build up an integrative model of the network of gene activity centred aroun d Sry and Sox9. J. Exp. Zool. 290:463-474, 2001. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.