Aromatase inhibition reduces expression of FOXL2 in the embryonic chicken ovary

Abstract

P450-aromatase is the terminal estrogen-synthesizing enzyme and a key gene in avian sex determination. Aromatase is expressed specifically in female gonads, but not male gonads, at the onset of sexual differentiation. This enzyme shows temporal and spatial colocalization with the forkhead transcription factor FOXL2 in the embryonic chicken ovary, suggesting a causal link. Mutations in FOXL2 are associated with premature ovarian failure in humans. Foxl2 null mice also present with premature ovarian failure. Here, we show that FOXL2 expression is reduced but not abolished in chicken embryos subjected to experimental female to male sex-reversal with an aromatase inhibitor. This finding suggests..