Scientists Announce the Discovery of Evidence of a Transgender Gene

"This research suggests that extra long copies of the Androgen Receptor gene potentially affect testosterone function in the brains of male-to-female transsexuals."  ~Professor Andrew Sinclair, University of Melbourne

Article from the Daily Mail Reporter, 27 October 2008

Transsexual men who 'feel' female are likely to have an unusual version of a gene that affects the male sex hormone testosterone, a study has shown.

The discovery was made by scientists who examined DNA from 112 male-to-female transsexuals.

Maltan Transgender Woman Joanne Cassar

In many cases there was a longer version of a gene known to modify the action of testosterone.

The alteration may 'under-masculinise' the brain during its development in the womb, the researchers believe.

Study leader Dr Vincent Harley, from Prince Henry's Institute in Clayton, Australia, said: 'There is a social stigma that transsexualism is simply a lifestyle choice; however, our findings support a biological basis of how gender identity develops.

'As with all genetic association studies it will be important to replicate these findings in other populations.'

The findings are published in the journal Biological Psychiatry.

Professor Andrew Sinclair, from the University of Melbourne, said: 'This research suggests that extra long copies of the Androgen Receptor gene potentially affect testosterone function in the brains of male-to-female transsexuals.....

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Image Source: Transgriot

Reference: Androgen Receptor Repeat Length Polymorphism Associated with Male-to-Female Transsexualism