Transcriptional regulator that controls a genetic switch in male development (PubMed:33004521). It is necessary and sufficient for initiating male sex determination by directing the development of supporting cell precursors (pre-Sertoli cells) as Sertoli rather than granulosa cells (PubMed:33004521). Involved in different aspects of gene regulation including promoter activation or repression (PubMed:8190643, PubMed:8159753, PubMed:15170344). Binds to the DNA consensus sequence 5'-[AT]AACAA[AT]-3' (PubMed:8190643, PubMed:8159753, PubMed:15170344). SRY HMG box recognizes DNA by partial intercalation in the minor groove and promotes DNA bending (PubMed:8190643, PubMed:8159753, PubMed:15170344). Also involved in pre-mRNA splicing (By similarity). In male adult brain involved in the maintenance of motor functions of dopaminergic neurons (By similarity). Constitutes the major isoform, which is necessary and sufficient for initiating male sex determination. Constitutes a minor isoform, which is unstable due to the presence of a degron at the C-terminus that promotes its degradation (PubMed:33004521). Not necessary and sufficient for initiating male sex determination (PubMed:33004521). Interacts with KPNB1, ZNF208 isoform KRAB-O, PARP1 and SLC9A3R2 (PubMed:11535586, PubMed:15469996, PubMed:16166090, PubMed:16904257). The interaction with KPNB1 is sensitive to dissociation by Ran in the GTP-bound form (PubMed:11535586). Interaction with PARP1 impaired its DNA-binding activity (PubMed:16904257). Interacts with CALM, EP300, HDAC3 and WT1 (By similarity). The interaction with EP300 modulates its DNA-binding activity (By similarity). Acetylation contributes to its nuclear localization and deacetylation by HDAC3 induces a cytoplasmic delocalization (By similarity). Colocalizes in the nucleus with ZNF208 isoform KRAB-O and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) (PubMed:15469996). Colocalizes with SOX6 in speckles. Colocalizes with CAML in the nucleus (By similarity). Nuclear import is facilitated by XPO4, a protein that usually acts as a nuclear export signal receptor (PubMed:19349578). Expressed in gonadal somatic pre-Sertoli cells (PubMed:11784049, PubMed:16904257, PubMed:7600978, PubMed:7670499). Expressed in the substantia nigra of the brain (at protein level). Expressed in diencephalon, cortex, the substantia nigra of the midbrain and the medial mammillary bodies of the hypothalamus of male, but not female. Expressed in gonadal somatic pre-Sertoli cells (PubMed:33004521). While it is expressed at lower level compared to isoform Sry-S, this form is more stable and constitutes the predominant protein product of the Sry locus in XY gonads (at protein level) (PubMed:33004521). Expressed in gonadal somatic pre-Sertoli cells from 10.5 to 11.5 dpc. Expressed in pre-Sertoli cells located centrally in the genital ridge and then later in cells located at the cranial and caudal poles (at protein level). DNA binding and bending properties of the HMG domains of mouse and human SRY differ form each other. Mouse SRY shows less extensive minor groove contacts with DNA and a higher specificity of sequence recognition than human SRY. Degraded due to the presence of a degron at the C-terminus that promotes its degradation. Phosphorylated on serine residues by PKA (By similarity). Phosphorylation by PKA enhances its DNA-binding activity and stimulates transcription repression (By similarity). Acetylation of Lys-81 contributes to its nuclear localization and enhances its interaction with KPNB1. Poly-ADP-ribosylated by PARP1 (PubMed:16904257). ADP-ribosylation reduces its DNA-binding activity (PubMed:16904257). Different alleles occur in strains of Mus musculus (molossinus or domesticus). In particular the poly-Gln region in 167-177 is polymorphic with either 11, 12 or 13 Gln. The nature of this poly-Gln tract could affect the protein's function by disturbing its secondary structure, perhaps by preventing efficient contact with another protein. Specific deletion of isoform Sry-T in XY mice results in complete male-to-female sex reversal. SRY protein has long been thought to be encoded by a single exon, coding for Sry-S (PubMed:33004521). However, in addition to the isoform coded by a single exon, Sry-S, an isoform harboring an additional exon, isoform Sry-T, was identified (PubMed:33004521). Isoform Sry-T constitues the major isoform, as isoform Sry-S is unstable due to the presence of the degron at the C-terminus (PubMed:33004521). Belongs to the SRY family. The tenuous nature of sex - Issue 80 of March 2007