title: Genetic and epigenetic factors underlying sex differences in the regulation of gene expression in the brain.
abstract: There are inherent biological differences between males and females that contribute to sex differences in brain function and to many sex-specific illnesses and disorders. Traditionally, it has been thought that such differences are due largely to hormonal regulation; however, there are also genetic and epigenetic effects caused by the inheritance and unequal dosage of genes located on the X and Y chromosomes. Here we discuss the evidence in favor of a genetic and epigenetic basis for sexually dimorphic behavior, as a consequence of underlying differences in the regulation of genes that drive brain function. A better understanding of sex-specific molecular processes in the brain will provide further insight for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by sex differences. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
authors.affiliation: Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Vikram S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Ratnu
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California.
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Emami
authors.affiliation: Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.|Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California.
authors.forename: Timothy W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Bredy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D057890:Epigenomics; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012730:Sex Chromosomes / Q000235:genetics
keywords: epigenetics; regulation of gene expression; sexually dimorphic behavior