Observation of a ZZW female in a natural population: implications for avian sex determination

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
D AritH Westerdahl

Abstract

Avian sex determination is chromosomal; however, the underlying mechanisms are not yet understood. There is no conclusive evidence for either of two proposed mechanisms: a dominant genetic switch or a dosage mechanism. No dominant sex-determining gene on the female-specific W chromosome has been found. Birds lack inactivation of one of the Z chromosomes in males, but seem to compensate for a double dose of Z-linked genes by other mechanisms. Recent studies showing female-specific expression of two genes may support an active role of the W chromosome. To resolve the question of avian sex determination the investigation of birds with a 2A: ZZW or 2A: ZO genotype would be decisive. Here, we report the case of an apparent 2A: ZZW great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) female breeding in a natural population, which was detected using Z-linked microsatellites. Our data strongly suggest a role of W-linked genes in avian sex determination.

Citations

Aug 7, 2007·Cytogenetic and Genome Research·C A SmithA H Sinclair
Mar 7, 2014·Chromosome Research : an International Journal on the Molecular, Supramolecular and Evolutionary Aspects of Chromosome Biology·Jennifer A Marshall Graves
Feb 21, 2013·Genesis : the Journal of Genetics and Development·Katie L AyersLuke S Lambeth
Sep 15, 2004·Trends in Genetics : TIG·Shinichi Nakagawa
Aug 17, 2016·Sexual Development : Genetics, Molecular Biology, Evolution, Endocrinology, Embryology, and Pathology of Sex Determination and Differentiation·Andrew T Major, Craig A Smith
May 25, 2018·Journal of the Royal Society, Interface·Lucas Sánchez, Claudine Chaouiya
May 13, 2018·Genes·Shayer Mahmood Ibney AlamTariq Ezaz
Jun 19, 2018·Sexual Development : Genetics, Molecular Biology, Evolution, Endocrinology, Embryology, and Pathology of Sex Determination and Differentiation·Michail RovatsosLukáš Kratochvíl
Aug 6, 2021·Royal Society Open Science·Katherine AssersohnNicola Hemmings

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