New Models For The Onset Of Virilisation In The Developing Male

Abstract

Impairment of virilisation is one of the most common developmental defects in humans, yet over half the cases cannot be explained by our current knowledge. Studies of these processes are hindered because in most mammals virilisation occurs in utero, in the early fetus. Our recent studies using marsupials, where virilisation occurs after birth show that this process is mediated by 5-alpha-androstanediol, a hormone with previously undetermined physiological function. We will conduct experiments using tammar wallabies, to test hypotheses that explain why different male tissues - such as the reproductive ducts, prostate and penis - start to differentiate at widely different times. We will invest..