Biological origins in sexual orientation have been discovered through studies about twins. The genetic linkages in the twin studies have shown both hereditary patterns in homosexuality and genes in certain parts of the genome. Researchers are currently examining efforts to understand the role biology plays, from a biological perspective, in gender identity. Dr. Vilain says that most significant approach to understanding gender identity includes the study genetics and the environment, incorporating the effects of environmental factors on gene expression. Recently, his lab found a connection between hormone exposure in early life and long-term sexual development. In the experiment, female mice exposed to high levels of testosterone at birth later exhibited increased masculine gene-expression patterns. Dr. Vilain and his team are observing the location of these genes to find out which regions of the genome may influence gender expression and possibly gender
Biological origins in sexual orientation have been discovered through studies about twins. The genetic linkages in the twin studies have shown both hereditary patterns in homosexuality and genes in certain parts of the genome. Researchers are currently examining efforts to understand the role biology plays, from a biological perspective, in gender identity. Dr. Vilain says that most significant approach to understanding gender identity includes the study genetics and the environment, incorporating the effects of environmental factors on gene expression. Recently, his lab found a connection between hormone exposure in early life and long-term sexual development. In the experiment, female mice exposed to high levels of testosterone at birth later exhibited increased masculine gene-expression patterns. Dr. Vilain and his team are observing the location of these genes to find out which regions of the genome may influence gender expression and possibly gender