Differences between men and women go beyond genetics

The biological differences between men and women extend far beyond genetics. A major international study sheds new light on these disparities from a fresh perspective.

Researchers from the Precision Healthcare University Research Institute at Queen Mary University of London conducted a large-scale study on sex-based protein differences. Their work, published in Nature Communications, draws on data from the UK Biobank and the Fenland study, involving 56,000 participants.


The team found that two-thirds of the analyzed proteins showed different levels in men and women. However, only about a hundred of these variations were directly linked to genetic differences between the sexes. This discovery challenges the idea that genetics is the primary, or even sole, factor in biological disparities.

The researchers emphasize the importance of considering non-genetic factors, such as environment and lifestyle, to understand health differences between the sexes. These elements could explain why some diseases affect men and women differently.

Mine Koprulu, the study's lead author, stresses the need for a more inclusive approach in medicine. According to her, a better understanding of factors influencing health beyond genetics is essential for more equitable care.

Claudia Langenberg, director of the Institute, adds that these findings are crucial for drug development. They show that genetic variants regulating proteins act similarly in both sexes, thus validating common therapeutic approaches.

The study used chromosomal data to distinguish sexes, while acknowledging this doesn't always reflect gender identity. This methodology was necessary for scientific analysis, though limited by the lack of reliable gender identity data.

Why do proteins differ between sexes?

Proteins play a central role in our body's functioning. Their expression varies between men and women due to mechanisms that go beyond simple genetics.

Environment and lifestyle have an impact. For example, exposure to certain pollutants or dietary habits can modify protein expression, regardless of sex.

Finally, epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, may explain some differences. These chemical modifications influence gene activity without changing the DNA sequence itself.

How does this study influence personalized medicine?

Personalized medicine aims to tailor treatments based on individual characteristics, including sex. This study opens new perspectives for this approach.

By showing that protein differences aren't solely genetic, it highlights the need to consider a broader range of factors in diagnosis and treatment.

This could lead to more targeted therapies, taking into account not just biological sex, but also the patient's environment and lifestyle.

In the long term, these discoveries could improve treatment effectiveness and reduce side effects, particularly for diseases affecting men and women differently.