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Biological explanation for male-to-female transsexuals
Scientists found evidence of transsexuality in DNA
Scientists identify a biological basis for transsexuality
"our findings support a biological basis of how gender identity develops"
In what has been the world’s largest study of male to female transsexuals, Australian scientists claim to have found a biological source for transsexuality.
A team of specialists at Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research claim that rather than being a lifestyle choice, transsexuality is down to the biological development of gender identity.
The study analysed the DNA of 112 male-to-female transsexual volunteers, focusing particularly on three genes; the androgen receptor, the oestrogen receptor and an enzyme which converts testosterone to oestrogen. Findings concluded that there was a link between a long version of the androgen receptor and male-to-female transsexuality.
Longer versions of the androgen receptor gene are typically less efficient at testosterone signalling, resulting in a more ‘female like’ brain structure in male-to-female transsexuals.
Researcher Professor Vincent Harley said of his team’s findings:
“There is a social stigma that transsexualism is simply a lifestyle choice; however our findings support a biological basis of how gender identity develops.”
Terry Reed of the Gender Identity Research and Education Society also lent his support to the findings:
"This study appears to reinforce earlier studies which have indicated that, in some trans people, there may be a genetic trigger to the development of an atypical gender identity.
"However, it may be just one of several routes and, although it seems extremely likely that a biological element will always be present in the aetiology of transsexualism, it's unlikely that developmental pathways will be the same in all individuals."
The findings will be published in the latest issue of Biological Psychiatry.
