Cross-gender hormone therapy is widely used for transgender individuals’ transition. Do you think it’s possible to use epigenetic regulation for hormones synthesis for this purpose? What would be the mechanism? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
It could be remotely possible by inducing a mutation in the SRY gene (who was discovered 26 years ago) causing a great range of sex-related disorders with varying effects, mainly the sex determination in the Y chromosome. A possible line of study for trans Male-to-Female individuals only.
However, there are many processes that involve multiple factors to be identified in the molecular network of sex.
Techniques such as the analysis of microarrays on the genes of the genitals (at all stages of embryonic development), among other techniques (studies of mutagenesis in mice) are the ways by which we try to decipher this enigma.
Another interesting aspect is that little is understood about the formation of the ovaries because it has not been discovered yet a gene similar in function to the SRY gene, which would represent a benefit for trans Female-to-Male individuals.
You can read more at this paper (I will send it to you):
- Harley VR, Clarkson MJ, Argentaro A. "The molecular action and regulation of the testis-determining factors, SRY (sex-determining region on the Y chromosome) and SOX9 [SRY-related high-mobility group (HMG) box 9]". Endocr. Rev. 24(4): 466–87.
Hi Mariia,
For a naturally occurring perspective, there is fascinating research on the effects of early life stress on epigenetic changes in the HPA axis, and it is hard to imagine similar changes are not occurring in the HPG axis as well, but this has not been studied extensively. It would be interesting if someone would look into this.
This link of article is may be useful
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2946142/
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