Semin Reprod Med 2001; 19(2): 133-140
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-15393
Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

X-Y Translocations and Sex Differentiation

Ken McElreavey, Laura Salas Cortes
  • Institut Pasteur, Immunogénétique Humaine, INSERM E0021, Paris, France
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

ABSTRACT

Translocations involving the X and Y chromosomes are often associated with anomalies of gonadal development. Transfer of Yp sequences, including the testis-determining SRY gene, to the terminal portion of the short arm of the X chromosome is associated with 46,XX maleness and in rare cases 46,XX true hermaphroditism. Three classes of XX males have been defined on the basis of the extent of Y material transferred to the X chromosome. In one class, the transfer of material involves aberrant recombination between two highly homologous genes, PKRX and PKRY, and there is evidence to suggest that this interchange is influenced by the Y chromosome background. Other types of X-Y translocations associated with anomalies of sex differentiation include Xp-Yq translocations, which result in a functional disomy of Xp sequences including the DSS locus and are associated with 46,XY complete or partial gonadal dysgenesis. In rare cases Yp-Xq translocations have been described in association with 46,XX maleness.

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