Sexually dimorphic expression of a laryngeal-specific, androgen-regulated myosin heavy chain gene during Xenopus laevis development.

ABSTRACT: Masculinization of the larynx in Xenopus laevis frogs is essential for the performance of male courtship song. During postmetamorphic (PM) development, the initially female-like phenotype of laryngeal muscle (slow and fast twitch fibers) is converted to the masculine form (entirely fast twitch) under the influence of androgenic steroids. To explore the molecular basis of androgen-directed masculinization, we have isolated cDNA clones encoding portions of a new Xenopus myosin heavy chain (MHC) gene. We have detected expression of this gene only in laryngeal muscle and specifically in males. All adult male laryngeal muscle fibers express the laryngeal myosin (LM). Adult female laryngeal muscle expresses LM only in some fibers. Expression of LM during PM development was examined using Norther

SUBMITTER: Catz DS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3493207 | biostudies-literature | 1992 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature