REGULATION OF GONADOTROPIN GENE EXPRESSION BY ACTIVIN

我们将在转基因小鼠体内研究激活素信号在控制垂体促性腺激素基因表达和生理学中的作用。 具体目标1研究激酶缺陷型II、IIB和IB受体在阻断激活素在α T3 -1细胞中的作用，以进一步了解激活素在促性腺激素中的作用，并选择最佳显性负性受体用于创建转基因小鼠。 具体目标2创建和表征转基因小鼠，其中激活素信号传导机制已在促性腺细胞中被破坏。具体目标3确定激活素信号转导在促性腺激素在体内的作用，利用转基因小鼠，其中垂体激活素信号转导机制已被特异性破坏。这些研究的结果将导致对调节生殖功能的分子机制的更透彻的理解。

We will investigate the role of activin signaling in controlling pituitary gonadotrope gene expression and physiology in vivo in transgenic mice. Specific Aim 1 Investigate kinase-deficient type II, IIB, and IB receptors for their activity in blocking activin action in alphaT3-1 cells to further understand the role of activin in the gonadotrope and to choose the optimal dominant negative receptor for creating transgenic mice. Specific Aim 2 Create and characterize transgenic mice in which the activin signaling mechanisms have been disrupted in the gonadotrope. Specific Aim 3 Determine the role of activin signaling in the gonadotrope in vivo utilizing transgenic mice in which pituitary activin signaling mechanisms have been specifically disrupted. The results of these studies will lead to a more thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in regulating reproductive function.