Pit-1 gene expression in human pituitary adenomas

Hormone Research
I Pellegrini-BouillerP Jaquet

Abstract

The anterior pituitary-specific transcription factor Pit-1 (also known as GHF-1) was initially identified and cloned as a transactivator of the GH and PRL genes, and later as a regulator of the TSH beta gene. Analysis of Pit-1 expression during mouse embryogenesis revealed that initiation of its expression correlates both temporally and spatially with activation of its target genes. Immunocytochemical studies revealed a high expression of Pit-1 protein in the nuclei of only three cell types: somatotropes, lactotropes and thyrotropes. The importance of Pit-1 as a regulator of the anterior pituitary development has been further demonstrated by the absence of somatotropes, lactotropes and thyrotropes in the pituitary glands of Pit-1-defective mice and humans. Since Pit-1 is required for both cell phenotype and proliferation, one may ask if this transcription factor might be associated with development of pituitary tumors. Several investigators have reported Pit-1 gene expression in human pituitary adenomas. These studies, while not in total agreement, show that pituitary tumorigenesis does not seem to be associated with a gross alteration of Pit-1 gene expression in humans. Pit-1 transcripts, identical in size and sequence to thos...Continue Reading

Citations

Apr 20, 1999·Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America·M E Molitch
Sep 27, 2001·Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America·M E Molitch
Dec 27, 2011·Endocrine-related Cancer·Dario PalmieriMonica Fedele

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