Congenital pituitary hormone deficiencies: role of LHX3/LHX4 genes

LHX3 and LHX4 are LIM domain transcription factors involved in the early steps of pituitary organogenesis. They are necessary for the proper differentiation of Rathke's pouch that gives rise to the anterior pituitary lobe. Mutations of these transcription factors are involved in congenital hypopituitarism: to date, nine mutations of LHX3 have been reported, responsible for variable pituitary hormone deficiencies and extrapituitary manifestations, including limited neck rotation. By contrast, only five LHX4 mutations have been reported, responsible for variable hormone deficiencies, and pituitary/intracranial abnormalities. Future investigations will aim to better understand human pituitary organogenesis and to shed light on the interspecies differences in the roles of these transcription factors.