A cell-specific nuclear receptor regulates the steroid hydroxylases

Recent studies of the gene regulation of the cytochrome P450 steroid hydroxylases have established a key role for an orphan nuclear receptor, designated steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1). SF-1 binds to shared promoter elements upstream of the steroid hydroxylases to mediate their coordinate expression in steroidogenic cells. Analyses of SF-1 expression during mouse embryonic development showed that SF-1 is expressed from the earliest stages of organogenesis of the steroidogenic tissues, suggesting an intimate link between SF-1 and steroidogenic cell differentiation. Finally, in gene disruption experiments, the gene encoding SF-1 was shown to be essential for development of the adrenal glands and gonads. These results establish the essential role of this orphan nuclear receptor in the development and function of the primary steroidogenic tissues.