Gene alteration turns male embryos into female

According to a study at University of Melbourne, alteration of a single gene could turn some male embryos into female ones.

These disorders occur when the testis or ovary does not develop properly in the embryo, causing genital abnormalities in one out of 4,500 babies, reports the American Journal of Human Genetics.

An international team, including University of Melbourne researchers, identified the gene alteration in a group of patients that included two families with several affected members.

The study may help treat males who develop feminine appearance will improve diagnosis and clinical management of patients with disorders of sex development.