Specific Features of Sex Determination in Birds on the Example ofGallus gallusdomesticus

Abstract

The chapter is devoted to the consideration of sex determination in birds. The appearance of heteromorphic sex chromosomes (birds) has led to the emergence of some specific W chromosomal signal, which provides estrogen control of the development of a heterogametic sex. At present, two hypotheses about sex determination in birds compete. One of these hypotheses considers the number of Z chromosomes as a key sex-determining factor, while the other hypothesis supposes the presence in W chromosome of the key gene controlling ovarian development or suppressing the appearance of testes. Into the modern scheme of the genetic control of sex determination in birds (practically within the hypothesis of dose compensation), an epigenetic mechanism was added. The appearance of gonads in birds is most likely determined by sex hormones and to the greatest extent by estrogen under the control of W chromosome. It is desirable to pay attention to noncoding RNAs, their connection with the W chromosome and their role in bird sex determination.