Activity of the P-Lim Homeoprotein in Pituitary Organogenesis

9729669罗兹脑垂体腺是哺乳动物大脑底部的一个小器官。作为对大脑和血液信号的反应，脑下垂体分泌激素，调节生长、生殖发育和状态、产奶量、对压力的反应以及对体温和新陈代谢等功能的控制。在发育过程中，基因在一个受调控的程序中被开启和关闭，该程序允许专门的激素释放细胞从简单的、普通的前体细胞衍生出来。被称为转录因子的分子充当开关，协调这一基因激活程序。利用最先进的分子技术，罗兹博士将确定一种名为P-Lim的垂体转录因子的特定机制。P-LIM对于脑下垂体发育是必不可少的，因为P-LIM突变的个体不会发育脑垂体腺，因此在出生后不久就会死亡。这些基础研究的结果将大大加深我们对垂体发育和功能的理解。此外，从脑下垂体工作中获得的知识可能会影响相关过程，如神经系统、血液和四肢的发育。

9729669 RHODES The pituitary gland is a small organ located at the base of the brain in mammals. In response to signals from the brain and the bloodstream, the pituitary secretes hormones that regulate growth, reproductive development and status, milk production, the response to stress and control of functions such as body temperature and metabolism. During development, genes are turned on and off in a regulated program that allows the specialized hormone-releasing cells to be derived from simple, common precursor cells. Molecules known as transcription factors act as switches to coordinate this program of gene activation. Using state-of-the-art molecular technology, Dr. Rhodes will determine the specific mechanism of a pituitary transcription factor called P-Lim. P-Lim is essential for pituitary development since individuals with mutated P-Lim do not develop pituitary glands and thus, die shortly after birth. The results from these fundamental studies will significantly further our understanding of pituitary development and function. Moreover, the knowledge gained from work on the pituitary can impact on related processes, such as the development of the nervous system, the blood and the limbs.