Categories: Reproductive system phene

Possible human homologues (MIM numbers): 300068 (trait) , 313700 (gene)

Links to MONDO diseases:

• MONDO:0019154: androgen insensitivity syndrome

Cross-species summary: This is a type of XY difference of sexual development (XY DSD) due to variants in the AR gene. Previously known as Testicular Feminisation Syndrome. This is an abnormality of sexual development in which affected individuals have an XY chromosomal constitution, undescended testes and female secondary sexual characteristics (including female external genitalia). Also, instead of normally developed Mullerian duct derivatives (Fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and upper protion of the vagina), they have under-developed Wolffian duct derivatives (epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicle). In all species so far investigated, the inheritance is X-linked recessive. In several species, this disorder is known to be due to a deficiency of an androgen receptor encoded by a gene on the X chromosome. The presence of a Y chromosome induces the undifferentiated embryonic gonads to develop as testes, but, in the absence of androgen receptor, the androgens produced by the testes cannot exert any effect. The result is that the embryo follows the "default" path of development, which is female.

Species in which this phene is found:
Burton's mouthbrooder (Haplochromis burtoni)
dog (Canis lupus familiaris)
domestic cat (Felis catus)
horse (Equus caballus)
pig (Sus scrofa)
taurine cattle (Bos taurus)