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中的作用。具体目的1研究激酶缺陷型II、IIB和IB受体在阻断αT3-1细胞激活素作用中的活性，以进一步了解激活素在促性腺激素中的作用，并为创造转基因小鼠选择最佳的显性负性受体。特定目的2建立并鉴定激活素信号机制在促性腺激素中被破坏的转基因小鼠。特定目的3确定活化素信号在体内促性腺激素中的作用，利用垂体激活素信号机制已被特异性破坏的转基因小鼠。这些研究的结果将使人们更深入地了解调控生殖功能的分子机制。

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.