Analysis of Sexual Plasticity in Gonads by AMH System

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With support of this budget, we firstly clarified the molecular and cellular mechanism of sexual plasticity in the gonads and AMH system is involved in this mechanism. We discovered that this system functions in what we named 'Germinal Cradle' in the ovary, in which germline stem cells are present. This was the first successful demonstration of stem cells and niche structure in vertebrate ovary. The AMH system functions in interfollicular manner in the Germinal Cradles and indirectly regulates proliferation of subpopulation of stem cells. The sexual plasticity is also controlled through the regulation of germ cells. This indicates that Germinal Cradles is not only for regulation of the egg number but also for sexual plasticity.The function of AMH system differs in medaka and mammals. We also revealed that sox9, another important gene for testis formation in mammals, does not functions in masculinization of medaka gonads. Together with functional analysis, our studies collectively indicate that different species in vertebrates develop their own system of sex determination.