Systems analysis of a critical regulatory hub in sex determination

该项目旨在更好地了解胚胎发育的调控机制。生物学的一个关键挑战是了解基因在胚胎发育过程中如何在调控网络中协调复杂器官的形成。虽然有几个基因影响胚胎性别决定和性腺发育，但Sox9已成为该系统的主要调节因子。该项目计划利用新的系统生物学技术和转基因小鼠来鉴定Sox9靶基因和伴侣蛋白。预期的结果包括对性别决定、干细胞分化和依赖于Sox9功能的许多其他器官系统的发育的见解，为胚胎中分子控制网络的高通量分析提供概念证明。

This project seeks to better understand regulatory mechanisms of embryonic development. A key challenge in biology is to understand how genes act in regulatory networks to coordinate the formation of complex organs during embryo development. Although several genes influence embryo sex determination and gonad development, Sox9 has emerged as a master regulator in this system. This project plans to use new systems biology technologies and transgenic mice to identify the suite of Sox9 target genes and partner proteins. Anticipated outcomes include insights into sex determination, stem cell differentiation, and development of many other organ systems that depend on Sox9 function, providing proof-of-concept for high-throughput analysis of molecular control networks in the embryo.