The role of Ikaros in the pituitary.
Published: 2004
Language: eng
Number of pages: 79
Description: Pituitary cell differentiation follows a highly specific pattern and temporal sequence of events. Analysis of FGFR4, a key receptor mutated in pituitary adenomas, yielded promoter regulation by the hematopoietic transcription factor Ikaros (Ik). The pituitaries of homozygote Ik null mice (C-/-), heterozygotes (C+/-) and wild-type (C+/+) littermates were examined using immunohistochemistry and morphometry. During embryogenesis, the pituitaries of C+/- and C-/- mice revealed developmental delay. Normal cell types do develop, however Ik mutant mice exhibit a marked reduction in pituitary mass with a loss in somatotrope and melanocorticotrope populations. Also, Ik C-/- mice suffer from a high incidence of mortality and display a dwarf phenotype with reduced circulating IGF-I and corticosterone. Ik C+/- mice apparently have normal growth but also have reduced IGF-I and corticosterone levels. The dwarf phenotype and early mortality of C-/- mice were rescued by hormone treatment. The striking pituitary changes indicate a functional role for Ik in normal pituitary development.
Notes: Adviser: Sylvia Asa.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2004.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 42-06, page: 2176.

MICR copy on microfiche (1 microfiche).