Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Visualizing the Interrenal Steroidogenic Tissue and Its Vascular Microenvironment in Zebrafish
07:19

Visualizing the Interrenal Steroidogenic Tissue and Its Vascular Microenvironment in Zebrafish

Published on: December 21, 2016

Gonadal transactivation of STARD1, CYP11A1 and HSD3B

Steven R King1, Holly A LaVoie

  • 1Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.

Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark Edition)
|December 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This review details how gonadotropins control steroidogenesis genes (STARD1, CYP11A1, HSD3B) in gonads. It explains the roles of transcription factors like NR5A and GATA in Leydig and ovarian cells.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Molecular endocrinology
  • Steroidogenesis

Background:

  • Steroidogenesis in gonads is initiated by key enzymes and proteins.
  • Gene expression of steroidogenic proteins is regulated by gonadotropins and growth factors.
  • Gonadotropins activate cAMP signaling, influencing transcription factors crucial for gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the factors controlling the transactivation of STARD1, CYP11A1, and HSD3B genes.
  • To elucidate the roles of transcription factors in gonadal steroidogenesis.
  • To summarize current understanding in specific testicular and ovarian cell types.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of factors controlling steroidogenic gene transactivation.
  • Analysis of transcription factor recruitment to gene promoters.
  • Cellular context-dependent examination of gene regulation.

Main Results:

  • Gonadotropins are primary regulators of STARD1, CYP11A1, and HSD3B gene expression.
  • Specific transcription factors (NR5A, GATA, CREB, NR4A, Sp1) are recruited to gene promoters.
  • The combination of transcription factors varies depending on the cell type (e.g., Leydig, theca, granulosa, luteal cells).

Conclusions:

  • Understanding transcription factor involvement is key to comprehending gonadal steroidogenesis.
  • Cellular context dictates the specific regulatory mechanisms.
  • This review consolidates knowledge on the regulation of essential steroidogenic genes.

More Related Videos

Reverse Yeast Two-hybrid System to Identify Mammalian Nuclear Receptor Residues that Interact with Ligands and/or Antagonists10:51

Reverse Yeast Two-hybrid System to Identify Mammalian Nuclear Receptor Residues that Interact with Ligands and/or Antagonists

Published on: November 15, 2013

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies06:24

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies

Published on: January 10, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Gonadal and Placental Hormones01:24

Gonadal and Placental Hormones

The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors01:31

Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors

Nuclear receptors, or NRs, are unique transcription factors that regulate gene transcription and affect the cellular pathways involved in reproduction, development, or metabolism. Their ability to be stimulated by small lipophilic ligands and control vital cellular processes makes them ideal drug targets. Nearly 10-15% of currently prescribed drugs target these receptors.
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
TGF - β Signaling Pathway01:16

TGF - β Signaling Pathway

The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors are of three kinds RI, RII, and RIII. The RI...
Target Cell Response to Hormones01:22

Target Cell Response to Hormones

Hormones intricately bind to receptors on the surface or within target cells, initiating a cascade of cellular responses.
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity01:09

GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity

Some GPCRs transmit signals through adenylyl cyclase (AC), a transmembrane enzyme. AC helps synthesize second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). AC catalyzes cyclization reaction and converts ATP to cAMP by releasing a pyrophosphate. The pyrophosphate is further hydrolyzed to phosphate by the enzyme pyrophosphatase, which drives cAMP synthesis to completion. However, cAMP is rapidly degraded to 5′ AMP by the enzymes phosphodiesterase (PDE), preventing overstimulation of cells.
Two...
Master Transcription Regulators02:23

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a  complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...