Unraveling the Genetic Blueprint of Male and Female Organ Development

Researchers have decoded the genetic pathways that lead to sex-linked differences in mammals, including both visible and internal organs. The study found that most differences in gene expression between male and female organs develop only during puberty, triggered by female or male hormones. The level of sex-linked differentiation varied between different organs, but the cell types responsible were the same across all mammal species. Understanding these genetic mechanisms is crucial for medical research, as it can help explain why certain diseases of the liver and kidneys are more common in males than females. The study highlights the need for closer attention to sex in biomedical science.