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The roles of steroidogenic factor-1 in reproductive function
1Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
Steroids
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) is crucial for endocrine development. Gene knockout studies reveal SF-1
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Genetics
Background:
- Cytochrome P450 steroid hydroxylases exhibit tissue-specific and developmental regulation.
- The orphan nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) is implicated in this regulation.
- SF-1 expression in embryonic development suggests roles in adrenal, gonadal, and brain development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo functions of SF-1 in endocrine development.
- To elucidate the roles of SF-1 in adrenal, gonadal, and pituitary development and function.
Main Methods:
- Targeted gene disruption (knockout) of the mouse SF-1 gene.
- Analysis of endocrine development and function in SF-1 knockout mice.
Main Results:
- SF-1 is essential for adrenal and gonadal differentiation.
- SF-1 plays a critical role in pituitary gonadotrope function.
- SF-1 is required for the formation of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus.
Conclusions:
- SF-1 has multiple, essential roles in endocrine development.
- SF-1 is indispensable for reproductive system development and function.