Sex differences determined not simply by gender
Monday 13 September 2010
Researchers funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) have uncovered an inherent difference in the way the genes of males or females can be ‘switched off’ or silenced in the body’s developing immune system. This finding will have a significant impact on the way researchers approach diseases that have a disproportionate effect on one sex over the other, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis, which all occur more frequently in women than men.
The results of the study show that the sex chromosomes, XY in males and XX in females, have a highly significant influence on how hundreds of genes behave in males and females. Distinguishing characteristics between males and females, such as face shape or body outline are often been put down to either differences in development or hormones.
The research team, based at the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre in London, found that more genes were switched off or ‘silenced’ in males rather than females. These differences could help explain how the body’s immune system can cause rather than prevent diseases and in the future help to tailor treatments for auto-immune diseases.
Professor Richard Festenstein, from the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre at Imperial College who led the study, says:
“Many diseases affect more men than women or vice versa, and we don’t really know why .These findings could help researchers find explanations for the subtle differences in the way males and females physically respond when the body is under attack from disease. It will also help us identify if disease-causing genes are dependent on female (XX) or male (XY) chromosomes in order to work, allowing us to move towards developing drugs that will stop them in their tracks.”
The study is published today in the journal, Developmental Cell.
For more information or to arrange an interview with one of the scientists, please contact the MRC Press Office on 020 76376011 or email pressoffice@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
Notes to Editors:
1. For almost 100 years the Medical Research Council has improved the health of people in the UK and around the world by supporting the highest quality science. The MRC invests in world-class scientists. It has produced 29 Nobel Prize winners and sustains a flourishing environment for internationally recognised research. The MRC focuses on making an impact and provides the financial muscle and scientific expertise behind medical breakthroughs, including one of the first antibiotics penicillin, the structure of DNA and the lethal link between smoking and cancer. Today MRC funded scientists tackle research into the major health challenges of the 21st century. www.mrc.ac.uk
2. About Imperial College London
Consistently rated amongst the world's best universities, Imperial College London is a science-based institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research that attracts 14,000 students and 6,000 staff of the highest international quality. Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and business, delivering practical solutions that improve quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.
Since its foundation in 1907, Imperial's contributions to society have included the discovery of penicillin, the development of holography and the foundations of fibre optics. This commitment to the application of research for the benefit of all continues today, with current focuses including interdisciplinary collaborations to improve global health, tackle climate change, develop sustainable sources of energy and address security challenges.
In 2007, Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust formed the UK's first Academic Health Science Centre. This unique partnership aims to improve the quality of life of patients and populations by taking new discoveries and translating them into new therapies as quickly as possible.
