对虾生长性状存在明显的性别二态性，因而性别控制研究在对虾育种中具有重要意义。然而，由于对对虾性别决定和分化机制了解较少，严重制约了性别控制技术的研发。在前期研究中我们发现中国对虾中存在果蝇性别决定基因sex lethal、transformer 2和doublesex（dsx）的同源基因，其表达存在明显的性别差异，由此推测对虾可能具有与果蝇类似的性别决定机制。Dsx作为性别决定的关键转录因子，我们发现控制对虾性别分化的促雄性腺素基因5'侧翼序列含有其潜在结合位点。为深入探讨对虾性别决定的机制，本项目拟在前期工作的基础上，对对虾dsx基因的功能开展研究，通过分析其对性腺发育和促雄性腺素基因表达的影响，并鉴定dsx调控的下游基因，明确该基因在对虾性别决定和分化中的功能。研究结果不仅可为阐明对虾乃至甲壳动物性别决定和分化的分子机制提供重要依据，也为开发对虾性别控制技术用于单性化养殖提供重要指导。

Due to the growth trait of penaeid shrimp displays an obvious sex dimorphism, sex control studies have an important value in shrimp breeding. However, the molecular mechanism regulating shrimp sex determination and differentiation is still not clear now, which severely blocks the development of sex control technologies. In previous studies, we obtained the homologues of sex lethal, transformer 2 and doublesex genes, members of Drosophila sex determination pathway, from the Chinese shrimp. The expression level of them are obviously different in both sexes. Based on these data, we presume that the sex determination mechanism of shrimp is similar with that of Drosophila. In addition, as the key transcriptional factor in sex determination pathway, we found the binding site of doublesex in the 5'-flanking sequence of the shrimp sex differentiation regulating gene, the insulin-like androgenic gland hormone gene. In order to further investigate the molecular mechanism of shrimp sex determination, the present project will focus on the gene function studies of shrimp doublesex gene based on the previous studies. Through studying the effect of doublesex gene on gonad development and on the transcription of the insulin-like androgenic gland hormone gene and identifying the downstream genes regulated by doubelsex gene, we will illustrate the function of doublesex gene in the process of sex determination and differentiation in shrimp. The data will not only provide theory evidence to elucidate the molecular mechanism of sex determination and differentiation in shrimp and even in crustacean, but also provide directions on developing sex control biotechnologies for achieving monosex culture.