Review of Sexual Development and Behavior: Selected Readings.

Sex determination is controlled by global regulatory genes, such as tra-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans, Sex lethal in Drosophila, or Sry in mammals. How these genes coordinate sexual differentiation throughout the body is a key unanswered question. tra-1 encodes a zinc finger transcription factor, TRA-1A, that regulates, directly or indirectly, all genes required for sexual development. mab-3 (male abnormal 3), acts downstream of tra-1 and is known to be required for sexual differentiation of at least two tissues. mab-3 directly regulates yolk protein transcription in the intestine and specifies male sense organ differentiation in the nervous system. It encodes a transcription factor related to the products of the Drosophila sexual regulator doublesex (dsx), which also regulates yolk protein transcription and male sense-organ differentiation. The similarities between mab-3 and dsx led us to suggest that some aspects of sex determination may be evolutionarily conserved. Here we find that mab-3 is also required for expression of male-specific genes in sensory neurons of the head and tail and for male interaction with hermaphrodites. These roles in male development and behavior suggest further functional similarity to dsx. In male sensory ray differentiation we find that MAB-3 acts synergistically with LIN-32, a neurogenic bHLH transcription factor. Expression of LIN-32 is spatially restricted by the combined action of the Hox gene mab-5 and the hairy homolog lin-22, while MAB-3 is expressed throughout the lateral hypodermis. Finally, we find that mab-3 transcription is directly regulated in the intestine by TRA-1A, providing a molecular link between the global regulatory pathway and terminal sexual differentiation.

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BEYOND ANATOMY

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.39.4.488 ◽

1967 ◽

Vol 39 (4) ◽

pp. 488-489

Author(s):

R. S. L.

Keyword(s):

Sexual Development ◽

Sexual Attitudes ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Sexual Morality ◽

Active Participant ◽

Younger Generation ◽

And Behavior ◽

Attitudes And Behavior ◽

New Look

THE ARTICLE, "Anatomy is Destiny," by Dr. Ellen Rothchild in this issue is a reminder of the need to put into perspective the signs and symptoms of marked changes observable in the sexual attitudes and behavior of a significant segment of our adolescents. Since many of our younger generation appear to be displaying greater freedom about sexual matters and a changing sexual morality, this would seem an appropriate time for the pediatrician to take a new look at his role in dealing with developing sexuality in his patients. Pediatrics, in partnership with the schools and church, has been an active participant in bringing the problems around sexual development, adjustment, and maturity out of the shadows into the light where they could be included in discussions with parents and their children.

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Sexual Development and Behavior in Children and Adolescents

Adolescent Sexual Behavior in the Digital Age ◽

10.1093/med/9780199945597.003.0003 ◽

2014 ◽

pp. 43-61 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

H. Martin Malin ◽

Fabian M. Saleh

Keyword(s):

Children And Adolescents ◽

Sexual Development ◽

And Behavior

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Sex and Genes, Part 1: Sexuality and Down, Prader–Willi, and Williams Syndromes

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities ◽

10.1352/1934-9556-50.2.155 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 50 (2) ◽

pp. 155-168 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Shelley Lynn Watson ◽

Deborah A. Richards ◽

Nancy Miodrag ◽

J. Paul Fedoroff

Keyword(s):

Sexual Development ◽

Sexual Expression ◽

Health Issues ◽

Genetic Syndromes ◽

Inappropriate Sexual Behavior ◽

Self Injury ◽

Medication Side ◽

Clinical Case Studies ◽

And Behavior ◽

Specific Impact

Abstract Specific genetic syndromes affect individuals' sexual development, experiences, and fertility. Individuals with specific syndromes can also display inappropriate sexual behavior resulting from vulnerabilities presented by their genetic makeup. Using clinical case studies, we discuss the specific impact that Down, Prader–Willi, and Williams syndromes can have on sexual development and behavior. Applying a biopsychosocial approach, we present the primary sexual effects, such as delayed sexual development and infertility. These genetic syndromes are also associated with challenges that are not specifically sexual in nature but that affect sexual expression, such as self-injury, mental health issues, or epilepsy. Medication side effects are also discussed. We conclude with treatment recommendations for individuals with sexual challenges, considering the unique effects of these three syndromes on sexuality.

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How Homo economicus lost her mind and how we can revive her

Behavioral and Brain Sciences ◽

10.1017/s0140525x1800033x ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 41 ◽

Author(s):

Peter DeScioli

Keyword(s):

Economic Thought ◽

History Of Economic Thought ◽

Homo Economicus ◽

Economic Theories ◽

Target Article ◽

History Of ◽

The Mind ◽

And Behavior

AbstractThe target article by Boyer & Petersen (B&P) contributes a vital message: that people have folk economic theories that shape their thoughts and behavior in the marketplace. This message is all the more important because, in the history of economic thought, Homo economicus was increasingly stripped of mental capacities. Intuitive theories can help restore the mind of Homo economicus.

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The parent-offspring microbiome and neurobehavioral development

Behavioral and Brain Sciences ◽

10.1017/s0140525x18002819 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 42 ◽

Author(s):

Jeffrey R. Alberts ◽

Christopher Harshaw ◽

Gregory E. Demas ◽

Cara L. Wellman ◽

Ardythe L. Morrow

Keyword(s):

Mammalian Species ◽

Social Emotional ◽

Behavioral Measures ◽

Neurobehavioral Development ◽

Emotional Function ◽

Neurobehavioral Outcomes ◽

Methodological Approaches ◽

And Behavior

Abstract We identify the significance and typical requirements of developmental analyses of the microbiome-gut-brain (MGB) in parents, offspring, and parent-offspring relations, which have particular importance for neurobehavioral outcomes in mammalian species, including humans. We call for a focus on behavioral measures of social-emotional function. Methodological approaches to interpreting relations between the microbiota and behavior are discussed.

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