Roleplay in Genes

Gene could play role in "intersex" counditions

Scientists from all over the world believe they may have found a gene mutation that leads to the cause of developing physical characteristics of the opposite sex in biologically male or female children. They believe this gene mutation may be the cause for the activation of male and female development. This was said to the news release by Dr. Harry Oster, the director of Human Genetics at NYU Medical center. Dr. Harry Oster, along with other international researchers, posted their finding in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

They were analyzing the mutations found on the MAP3K1 gene.They believe this gene may be in charge of the activation or inactivation of SRY gene activity. This could either allow or prevent intersex conditions to take place.

Intersex conditions occur when , for example, a male with an XY chromsome develops anatomically female features along with male features. Oster and his colleagues have been studying the effect of MAP3k1 for nine years. They have been following it within two families, one in France and one in New Zealand.

This is a very serious issue, and if a mutuation in a gene is the cause of intersex condition may be they could possibly find a way to detect this mutation before the child begins to develop and maybe find some way to deactivate the gene or if necessary activate the gene so the child will develop normally.