Figure 2. Model for integration of female sexual identity with the self-renewal/differentiation decision by a Sxl/Bam partnership. Recent studies suggest that Nanos maintains GSC cell fate by repressing RNAs, such as brat, required for differentiation. In CBs, Bam/Sxl inhibits nanos translation, thereby promoting differentiation. In addition, Sxl/Bam maintains female sexual identity by repressing a male-specific network of genes that includes chinmo, most likely through attenuation of Jak/Stat signaling.