Fetal Mouse Placenta and Hypothalamus RNA-Sequencing as a Proxy to Assess the Function of Uty

The genetic material encoded on X and Y chromosomes provides the foundation by which biological sex differences are established. Epigenetic regulators expressed on these sex chromosomes, including Kdm6a (Utx), Kdm5c, and Ddx3x have far-reaching impacts on transcriptional control of phenotypic sex differences. Functionality of the Y-linked homologue of Utx, an X-linked demethylase, has not yet been established, leading to the assumption that Uty is a non-functional remnant. Here we test the hypothesis that Uty is an important regulator of gene expression during development and therefore would contribute to male-specific phenotypes. We generated a random insertion Uty transgenic mouse (Uty-Tg) to express Uty in female mice (XX +Uty). By comparing transcriptomic profiles in developmental tissues, placenta and hypothalamus, we assess potential Uty functional activity.