The sexual dimorphism of the liver has been recognised for decades, but it is only recently that the genes responsible have come under scrutiny. Different patterns of genes are expressed in male and female livers. This has consequences on the metabolism of various drugs and hormones, and impacts certain functions such as reproduction.
A news release from the Cold Springs Harbor Laboratory reports on the discovery of two genes that repress male-specific genes in female livers. Named Rsl1 and Rsl2, loss of function mutations result in the expression of male specific genes in a female liver.
In mice, anyway.
Posted by tinqerbelle
at 1:44 PM BST
Updated: Saturday, 18 October 2003 1:45 PM BST
