Review: Molecular mechanisms of sex differentiation in sturgeons

Abstract Sex determination is a complex process, especially in fish where multiple models of sex determination can be identified. The fate of differentiating gonads may depend on species genetics, environmental or behavioural factors. In the case of the sturgeon, sex determination is most likely of genetic origin and is characterized by a ZW female heterogametic system. However, molecular mechanisms of sex development and differentiation in sturgeons are poorly understood. Due to the lack of sexual dimorphism and a long period of maturation combined with invaluable caviar obtained from sturgeons, plenty of research revolving around discovering master sex‐determining gene has been done. Yet, despite numerous studies utilizing multiple approaches and techniques to find key genes involved in sex differentiation, no master sex‐determining genes were identified in sturgeons. Nevertheless, the latest research provided a great deal of data regarding the expression of genes commonly related with sex development and differentiation in vertebrates. Several of these genes were found to be connected with the same processes in sturgeons. This review attempts to summarize research into the expression of genes involved in sex differentiation and development in sturgeons.