FET-1: A novel W-linked, female specific gene up-regulated in the embryonic chicken ovary

Abstract

A differential expression screen for sex-determining genes in the embryonic chicken gonad revealed a novel gene called Female Expressed Transcript 1 (FET-1). Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis mapped FET-1 to the female specific W chromosome. Whole mount in situ hybridization showed that FET-1 expression was restricted to females and up-regulated in the cortex of the left gonad during the sex-determining period. Female specific expression was also observed in the embryonic caudal somites, neural tube and waste collection ducts. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.