Activity of the P-Lim Homeoprotein in Pituitary Organogenesis

罗兹9729669 脑下垂体是哺乳动物大脑底部的一个小器官。 脑垂体对来自大脑和血液的信号作出反应，分泌调节生长、生殖发育和状态、产奶、对压力的反应以及对体温和新陈代谢等功能的控制的激素。 在发育过程中，基因在一个受调控的程序中打开和关闭，使专门的细胞释放细胞从简单的，共同的前体细胞中衍生出来。 被称为转录因子的分子充当开关来协调基因激活的程序。 利用最先进的分子技术，罗兹博士将确定一种名为P-Lim的垂体转录因子的具体机制。 P-Lim是垂体发育所必需的，因为具有突变的P-Lim的个体不发育垂体腺，因此在出生后不久死亡。 这些基础研究的结果将大大促进我们对垂体发育和功能的理解。 此外，从垂体工作中获得的知识可以影响相关过程，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.