Role of Death associated protein-like 1 (Dapl1) in steroidogenesis: study using Dapl1-null mice

Abstract

Microarray analysis revealed that maternal exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin reduces its expression. However, the role of the pituitary death associated protein-like 1 (Dapl1) has not been fully elucidated. We constructed Dapl1-null mice to evaluate the function. In PND49, the steroidogenic acute-regulatory protein in testis and serum testosterone level were elevated in Dapl1-null mice. On the contrary, pituitary follicle stimulating hormone-β (FSHβ) was suppressed by Dapl1-ablation. These results suggest that Dapl1 is an important factor regulating the steroidogenesis.