Mechanism of Hormone Production in Pituitary Cells and Pituitary Neoplasms; Synergistic Actions of Transcription Factors

Abstract

Recent technological development has disclosed various transcription factors in the pituitary glands. The cloning of Pit-1, homeodomain containing nuclear bindi-ing transcription factors stimulated the subsequent discoveries of many factors participating in the transciption for the specific pituitary hormones. These include Pituitary homeobox1 (Ptx1), Prophet of Pit-1 (Prop-1), NeuroD1, steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) and DAX-1. These factors have been shown not only to interact but also to func-tion with various receptors synergistically to promote specific hormones, such as GH-PRL-TSH group, POMC and gonadotropin (FSH/LH).