Peter Koopman in conjunction with other scientists and the University of Queensland are studying genes and how they control the formation of various organs in a developing embryo. This research particularly concerns the development of male and female gonads. Scientists believe that by applying this principle to creatures, particularly Cane Toads they will help eliminate unwanted populations. Even though the Sry and Sox (SRY-related HMG box) genes have already been discovered, several cellular and genetic events leading to the formation of male reproductive organs remains elusive. Using techniques such as; microarray screening and transgenic mouse models these process are being identified.
This research relates to Mr. Koopman’s Daughterless Gene Project. This project concerns cane toads and their presence in Australia. The purpose of this project is to genetically engineer cane toads so that they may only produce male offspring. This genetic variation would then be passed down to their offspring allowing them to only produce male offspring and thus eventually breeding them to extinction in Australia.
