Multistep Control of Pituitary Organogenesis

Hui Z. Sheng(Shimane University), Kenji Moriyama(Shimane University), Tsuyoshi Yamashita(Shimane University), Hung Li(Shimane University), S. Steven Potter(Shimane University), Kathleen Mahon(Shimane University), Heiner Westphal(Shimane University)
Science
December 5, 1997
Cited by 382

Abstract

Lhx3 and Lhx4 (Gsh4), two closely related LIM homeobox genes, determine formation of the pituitary gland in mice. Rathke's pouch is formed in two steps-first as a rudiment and later as a definitive pouch. Lhx3 and Lhx4 have redundant control over formation of the definitive pouch. Lhx3 controls a subsequent step of pituitary fate commitment. Thereafter, Lhx3 and Lhx4 together regulate proliferation and differentiation of pituitary-specific cell lineages. Thus, Lhx3 and Lhx4 dictate pituitary organ identity by controlling developmental decisions at multiple stages of organogenesis.


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