Porcine sst1 can physically interact with other somatostatin receptors, and its expression is regulated by metabolic/inflammatory sensors.

The majority of the biological actions attributed to somatostatin (SST) are thought to be mediated by SST receptor 2 (sst2), the most ubiquitous sst, and, to a lesser extent, by sst5. However, a growing body of evidence suggests a relevant role of sst1 in mediating SST actions in (patho)physiological situations (i.e., endometriosis, type 2 diabetes). Moreover, sst1 together with sst2 and sst5 is involved in the well-known actions of SST on pituitary somatotropes in pig and primates. Here, we cloned the porcine sst1 (psst1) and performed a structural and functional characterization using both primary and heterologous models. The psst1 sequence presents the majority of signature motifs shared among G protein-coupled receptors and, specifically, among ssts and exhibits a high homology with other mammalian sst1, with only minor differences in the amino-terminal domain, reinforcing the idea of an early evolutive divergence between mammalian and nonmammalian sst1s. psst1 is functional in terms of decreasing cAMP levels in response to SST when transfected in heterologous models. The psst1 receptor is expressed in several tissues, and analyses of gene cis elements predict regulation by multiple transcription factors and metabolic stimuli. Finally, psst1 is coexpressed with other sst subtypes in various tissues, and in vitro data demonstrate that psst1 can interact with itself forming homodimers and with other ssts forming heterodimers. These data highlight the functional importance of sst1 on the SST-mediated effects and its functional interaction with different ssts, which point out the necessity of exploring the consequences of such interactions.

The role of DNA methylation in regulation of the murine Lhx3 gene.

LHX3 is a LIM-homeodomain transcription factor with critical roles in pituitary and nervous system development. Mutations in the LHX3 gene are associated with pediatric diseases featuring severe hormone deficiencies, hearing loss, developmental delay, and other symptoms. The mechanisms that govern LHX3/Lhx3 transcription are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the role of DNA methylation in the expression status of the mouse Lhx3 gene. Pituitary cells that do not normally express Lhx3 (Pit-1/0 cells) were treated with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, a demethylating reagent. This treatment leads to activation of Lhx3 gene expression suggesting that methylation contributes to Lhx3 regulation. Treatment of Pit-1/0 pituitary cells with a combination of a demethylating reagent and a histone deacetylase inhibitor led to rapid activation of Lhx3 expression, suggesting possible crosstalk between DNA methylation and histone modification processes. To assess DNA methylation levels, treated and untreated Pit-1/0 genomic DNAs were subjected to bisulfite conversion and sequencing. Treated Pit-1/0 cells had decreased methylation at specific sites in the Lhx3 locus compared to untreated cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated interactions between the MeCp2 methyl binding protein and Lhx3 promoter regions in the Pit-1/0 cell line. Overall, this study demonstrates that DNA methylation patterns of the Lhx3 gene are associated with its expression status.

Cell-specific actions of a human LHX3 gene enhancer during pituitary and spinal cord development.

The LIM class of homeodomain protein 3 (LHX3) transcription factor is essential for pituitary gland and nervous system development in mammals. In humans, mutations in the LHX3 gene underlie complex pediatric syndromes featuring deficits in anterior pituitary hormones and defects in the nervous system. The mechanisms that control temporal and spatial expression of the LHX3 gene are poorly understood. The proximal promoters of the human LHX3 gene are insufficient to guide expression in vivo and downstream elements including a conserved enhancer region appear to play a role in tissue-specific expression in the pituitary and nervous system. Here we characterized the activity of this downstream enhancer region in regulating gene expression at the cellular level during development. Human LHX3 enhancer-driven Cre reporter transgenic mice were generated to facilitate studies of enhancer actions. The downstream LHX3 enhancer primarily guides gene transcription in α-glycoprotein subunit -expressing cells secreting the TSHß, LHß, or FSHß hormones and expressing the GATA2 and steroidogenic factor 1 transcription factors. In the developing nervous system, the enhancer serves as a targeting module active in V2a interneurons. These results demonstrate that the downstream LHX3 enhancer is important in specific endocrine and neural cell types but also indicate that additional regulatory elements are likely involved in LHX3 gene expression. Furthermore, these studies revealed significant gonadotrope cell heterogeneity during pituitary development, providing insights into the cellular physiology of this key reproductive regulatory cell. The human LHX3 enhancer-driven Cre reporter transgenic mice also provide a valuable tool for further developmental studies of cell determination and differentiation in the pituitary and nervous system.

LHX3 interacts with inhibitor of histone acetyltransferase complex subunits LANP and TAF-1ß to modulate pituitary gene regulation.

LIM-homeodomain 3 (LHX3) is a transcription factor required for mammalian pituitary gland and nervous system development. Human patients and animal models with LHX3 gene mutations present with severe pediatric syndromes that feature hormone deficiencies and symptoms associated with nervous system dysfunction. The carboxyl terminus of the LHX3 protein is required for pituitary gene regulation, but the mechanism by which this domain operates is unknown. In order to better understand LHX3-dependent pituitary hormone gene transcription, we used biochemical and mass spectrometry approaches to identify and characterize proteins that interact with the LHX3 carboxyl terminus. This approach identified the LANP/pp32 and TAF-1ß/SET proteins, which are components of the inhibitor of histone acetyltransferase (INHAT) multi-subunit complex that serves as a multifunctional repressor to inhibit histone acetylation and modulate chromatin structure. The protein domains of LANP and TAF-1ß that interact with LHX3 were mapped using biochemical techniques. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that LANP and TAF-1ß are associated with LHX3 target genes in pituitary cells, and experimental alterations of LANP and TAF-1ß levels affected LHX3-mediated pituitary gene regulation. Together, these data suggest that transcriptional regulation of pituitary genes by LHX3 involves regulated interactions with the INHAT complex.

Developmental analysis and influence of genetic background on the Lhx3 W227ter mouse model of combined pituitary hormone deficiency disease.

Combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) diseases result in severe outcomes for patients including short stature, developmental delays, and reproductive deficiencies. Little is known about their etiology, especially the developmental profiles and the influences of genetic background on disease progression. Animal models for CPHD provide valuable tools to investigate disease mechanisms and inform diagnostic and treatment protocols. Here we examined hormone production during pituitary development and the influence of genetic background on phenotypic severity in the Lhx3(W227ter/W227ter) mouse model. Lhx3(W227ter/W227ter) embryos have deficiencies of ACTH, α-glycoprotein subunit, GH, PRL, TSHß, and LHß during prenatal development. Furthermore, mutant mice have significant reduction in the critical pituitary transcriptional activator-1 (PIT1). Through breeding, the Lhx3(W227ter/W227ter) genotype was placed onto the 129/Sv and C57BL/6 backgrounds. Intriguingly, the genetic background significantly affected viability: whereas Lhx3(W227ter/W227ter) animals were found in the expected frequencies in C57BL/6, homozygous animals were not viable in the 129/Sv genetic environment. The hormone marker and PIT1 reductions observed in Lhx3(W227ter/W227ter) mice on a mixed background were also seen in the separate strains but in some cases were more severe in 129/Sv. To further characterize the molecular changes in diseased mice, we conducted a quantitative proteomic analysis of pituitary proteins. This showed significantly lower levels of PRL, pro-opiomelanocortin (ACTH), and α-glycoprotein subunit proteins in Lhx3(W227ter/W227ter) mice. Together, these data show that hormone deficiency disease is apparent in early prenatal stages in this CPHD model system. Furthermore, as is noted in human disease, genetic background significantly impacts the phenotypic outcome of these monogenic endocrine diseases.

Phosphatase of regenerating liver 2 (PRL2) is essential for placental development by down-regulating PTEN (Phosphatase and Tensin Homologue Deleted on Chromosome 10) and activating Akt protein.

The PRL (phosphatase of regenerating liver) phosphatases are implicated in the control of cell proliferation and invasion. Aberrant PRL expression is associated with progression and metastasis of multiple cancers. However, the specific in vivo function of the PRLs remains elusive. Here we show that deletion of PRL2, the most ubiquitously expressed PRL family member, leads to impaired placental development and retarded growth at both embryonic and adult stages. Ablation of PRL2 inactivates Akt and blocks glycogen cell proliferation, resulting in reduced spongiotrophoblast and decidual layers in the placenta. These structural defects cause placental hypotrophy and insufficiency, leading to fetal growth retardation. We demonstrate that the tumor suppressor PTEN is elevated in PRL2-deficient placenta. Biochemical analyses indicate that PRL2 promotes Akt activation by down-regulating PTEN through the proteasome pathway. This study provides the first evidence that PRL2 is required for extra-embryonic development and associates the oncogenic properties of PRL2 with its ability to negatively regulate PTEN, thereby activating the PI3K-Akt pathway.

A recessive mutation resulting in a disabling amino acid substitution (T194R) in the LHX3 homeodomain causes combined pituitary hormone deficiency.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recessive mutations in the LHX3 homeodomain transcription factor gene are associated with developmental disorders affecting the pituitary and nervous system. We describe pediatric patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) who harbor a novel mutation in LHX3. METHODS: Two female siblings from related parents were examined. Both patients had neonatal complications. The index patient had CPHD featuring deficiencies of GH, LH, FSH, PRL, and TSH, with later onset of ACTH deficiency. She also had a hypoplastic anterior pituitary, respiratory distress, hearing impairment, and limited neck rotation. The LHX3 gene was sequenced and the biochemical properties of the predicted altered proteins were characterized. RESULTS: A novel homozygous mutation predicted to change amino acid 194 from threonine to arginine (T194R) was detected in both patients. This amino acid is conserved in the DNA-binding homeodomain. Computer modeling predicted that the T194R change would alter the homeodomain structure. The T194R protein did not bind tested LHX3 DNA recognition sites and did not activate the α-glycoprotein and PRL target genes. CONCLUSION: The T194R mutation affects a critical residue in the LHX3 protein. This study extends our understanding of the phenotypic features, molecular mechanism, and developmental course associated with mutations in the LHX3 gene.

A distal modular enhancer complex acts to control pituitary- and nervous system-specific expression of the LHX3 regulatory gene.

Lin-11, Isl-1, and Mec-3 (LIM)-homeodomain (HD)-class transcription factors are critical for many aspects of mammalian organogenesis. Of these, LHX3 is essential for pituitary gland and nervous system development. Pediatric patients with mutations in coding regions of the LHX3 gene have complex syndromes, including combined pituitary hormone deficiency and nervous system defects resulting in symptoms such as dwarfism, thyroid insufficiency, infertility, and developmental delay. The pathways underlying early pituitary development are poorly understood, and the mechanisms by which the LHX3 gene is regulated in vivo are not known. Using bioinformatic and transgenic mouse approaches, we show that multiple conserved enhancers downstream of the human LHX3 gene direct expression to the developing pituitary and spinal cord in a pattern consistent with endogenous LHX3 expression. Several transferable cis elements can individually guide nervous system expression. However, a single 180-bp minimal enhancer is sufficient to confer specific expression in the developing pituitary. Within this sequence, tandem binding sites recognized by the islet-1 (ISL1) LIM-HD protein are essential for enhancer activity in the pituitary and spine, and a pituitary homeobox 1 (PITX1) bicoid class HD element is required for spatial patterning in the developing pituitary. This study establishes ISL1 as a novel transcriptional regulator of LHX3 and describes a potential mechanism for regulation by PITX1. Moreover, these studies suggest models for analyses of the transcriptional pathways coordinating the expression of other LIM-HD genes and provide tools for the molecular analysis and genetic counseling of pediatric patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency.

The role of homeodomain transcription factors in heritable pituitary disease.

The anterior pituitary gland secretes hormones that regulate developmental and physiological processes, including growth, the stress response, metabolic status, reproduction and lactation. During embryogenesis, cellular determination and differentiation events establish specialized hormone-secreting cell types within the anterior pituitary gland. These developmental decisions are mediated in part by the actions of a cascade of transcription factors, many of which belong to the homeodomain class of DNA-binding proteins. The discovery of some of these regulatory proteins has facilitated genetic analyses of patients with hormone deficiencies. The findings of these studies reveal that congenital defects-ranging from isolated hormone deficiencies to combined pituitary hormone deficiency syndromes-are sometimes associated with mutations in the genes encoding pituitary-acting developmental transcription factors. The phenotypes of affected individuals and animal models have together provided useful insights into the biology of these transcription factors and have suggested new hypotheses for testing in the basic science laboratory. Here, we summarize the gene regulatory pathways that control anterior pituitary development, with emphasis on the role of the homeodomain transcription factors in normal pituitary organogenesis and heritable pituitary disease.

Model of pediatric pituitary hormone deficiency separates the endocrine and neural functions of the LHX3 transcription factor in vivo.

The etiology of most pediatric hormone deficiency diseases is poorly understood. Children with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) have insufficient levels of multiple anterior pituitary hormones causing short stature, metabolic disease, pubertal failure, and often have associated nervous system symptoms. Mutations in developmental regulatory genes required for the specification of the hormone-secreting cell types of the pituitary gland underlie severe forms of CPHD. To better understand these diseases, we have created a unique mouse model of CPHD with a targeted knockin mutation (Lhx3 W227ter), which is a model for the human LHX3 W224ter disease. The LHX3 gene encodes a LIM-homeodomain transcription factor, which has essential roles in pituitary and nervous system development in mammals. The introduced premature termination codon results in deletion of the carboxyl terminal region of the LHX3 protein, which is critical for pituitary gene activation. Mice that lack all LHX3 function do not survive beyond birth. By contrast, the homozygous Lhx3 W227ter mice survive, but display marked dwarfism, thyroid disease, and female infertility. Importantly, the Lhx3 W227ter mice have no apparent nervous system deficits. The Lhx3 W227ter mouse model provides a unique array of hormone deficits and facilitates experimental approaches that are not feasible with human patients. These experiments demonstrate that the carboxyl terminus of the LHX3 transcription factor is not required for viability. More broadly, this study reveals that the in vivo actions of a transcription factor in different tissues are molecularly separable.

Diversifying Biomedical Training: A Synergistic Intervention.

For over three decades, the scientific community has expressed concern over the paucity of African American, Latino and Native American researchers in the biomedical training pipeline. Concern has been expressed regarding what is forecasted as a shortage of these underrepresented minority (URM) scientists given the demographic shifts occurring worldwide and particularly in the United States. Increased access to graduate education has made a positive contribution in addressing this disparity. This article describes the multiple pathway approaches that have been employed by a school of medicine at an urban Midwest research institution to increase the number of URM students enrolled in, and graduating from, doctoral programs within basic science departments, through the combination of R25 grants and other grant programs funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This article outlines the process of implementing a strong synergistic approach to the training of URM students through linkages between the NIH-funded "Bridges to the Doctorate (BRIDGES)" and "Initiative for Maximizing Graduate Student Diversity (IMGSD)" programs. The article documents the specific gains witnessed by this particular institution and identifies key components of the interventions that may prove useful for institutions seeking to increment the biomedical pipeline with scientists from diverse backgrounds.

BMP7 and SHH regulate Pax2 in mouse retinal astrocytes by relieving TLX repression.

Pax2 is essential for development of the neural tube, urogenital system, optic vesicle, optic cup and optic tract. In the eye, Pax2 deficiency is associated with coloboma, a loss of astrocytes in the optic nerve and retina, and abnormal axonal pathfinding of the ganglion cell axons at the optic chiasm. Thus, appropriate expression of Pax2 is essential for astrocyte determination and differentiation. Although BMP7 and SHH have been shown to regulate Pax2 expression, the molecular mechanism by which this regulation occurs is not well understood. In this study, we determined that BMP7 and SHH activate Pax2 expression in mouse retinal astrocyte precursors in vitro. SHH appeared to play a dual role in Pax2 regulation; 1) SHH may regulate BMP7 expression, and 2) the SHH pathway cooperates with the BMP pathway to regulate Pax2 expression. BMP and SHH pathway members can interact separately or together with TLX, a repressor protein in the tailless transcription factor family. Here we show that the interaction of both pathways with TLX relieves the repression of Pax2 expression in mouse retinal astrocytes. Together these data reveal a new mechanism for the cooperative actions of signaling pathways in astrocyte determination and differentiation and suggest interactions of regulatory pathways that are applicable to other developmental programs.

LHX3 and LHX4 transcription factors in pituitary development and disease.

The LHX3 and LHX4 LIM-homeodomain proteins are regulatory transcription factors that play overlapping but distinct functions during the establishment of the specialized cells of the mammalian pituitary gland and the nervous system. Recent studies have identified a variety of mutations in the LHX3 and LHX4 genes in patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency diseases. These patients have complex and variable syndromes involving short stature, metabolic disorders, reproductive system deficits, and nervous system developmental abnormalities. The short stature secondary to growth hormone deficiency is a key feature of the disorders associated with these gene mutations and responds well to supplementation with recombinant growth hormone. Overall, the frequency of mutations in the LHX3 and LHX4 genes in patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency is low. Mutations in other regulatory genes such as HESX1, PROP1, PIT1 / POU1F1, and GLI2 have been shown to be additional causes of pituitary hormone deficiency, but overall, the etiology of many cases of hypopituitarism is not understood. Further investigation is therefore required to identify other genes, both primary regulatory genes and those with modifier functions, which contribute to pituitary development and function.

Three novel missense mutations within the LHX4 gene are associated with variable pituitary hormone deficiencies.

CONTEXT: The LHX4 LIM-homeodomain transcription factor has essential roles in pituitary gland and nervous system development. Heterozygous mutations in LHX4 are associated with combined pituitary hormone deficiency. OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to determine the nature and frequency of LHX4 mutations in patients with pituitary hormone deficiency and to examine the functional outcomes of observed mutations. DESIGN: The LHX4 gene sequence was determined from patient DNA. The biochemical and gene regulatory properties of aberrant LHX4 proteins were characterized using structural predictions, pituitary gene transcription assays, and DNA binding experiments. PATIENTS: A total of 253 patients from 245 pedigrees with GH deficiency and deficiency of at least one additional pituitary hormone was included in the study. RESULTS: In five patients, three types of heterozygous missense mutations in LHX4 that result in substitution of conserved amino acids were identified. One substitution is between the LIM domains (R84C); the others are in the homeodomain (L190R; A210P). The patients have GH deficiency; some also display reductions in TSH, LH, FSH, or ACTH, and aberrant pituitary morphology. Structural models predict that the aberrant L190R and A210P LHX4 proteins would have impaired DNA binding and gene activation properties. Consistent with these models, EMSAs and transfection experiments using pituitary gene promoters demonstrate that whereas the R84C form has reduced activity, the L190R and A210P proteins are inactive. CONCLUSIONS: LHX4 mutations are a relatively rare cause of combined pituitary hormone deficiency. This report extends the range of phenotypes associated with LHX4 gene mutations and describes three novel exonic mutations in the gene.

Mutations in the LHX3 gene cause dysregulation of pituitary and neural target genes that reflect patient phenotypes.

The LHX3 LIM-homeodomain transcription factor is required for correct development of the mammalian pituitary gland and spinal motoneurons. Mutations in the LHX3 gene underlie complex diseases featuring combined anterior pituitary hormone deficiency and, in specific cases, loss of neck rotation considered to result from nervous system abnormalities. The molecular basis for LHX3 protein actions in both normal and aberrant pituitary and nervous system development is poorly understood. In this study, the gene regulatory abilities of mutant LHX3 proteins associated with distinct types of diseases (LHX3a A210V, LHX3a E173Ter, and LHX3a W224Ter) were investigated. The capacity of these proteins to activate pituitary hormone and transcription factor gene promoters, nervous system target genes, and to localize to the nucleus of pituitary cells was measured. Consistent with the symptoms of patients with these mutations, the abnormal proteins displayed diminished capacities to activate the promoters of genes expressed in the pituitary gland. On nervous system promoters, several mutant proteins retained some activity. The ability of the mutant proteins to concentrate in the nucleus of pituitary cells was correlated with the retention of defined nuclear localization signals in the protein sequence, except for the E173Ter protein which unexpectedly localizes to the nucleus, likely due to the insertion of cryptic nuclear localization signals by a frame shift caused by the mutation. This study extends the molecular characterization of the severe neuroendocrine diseases associated with LHX3 gene mutations.

Comparative genomics reveals functional transcriptional control sequences in the Prop1 gene.

Mutations in PROP1 are a common genetic cause of multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD). We used a comparative genomics approach to predict the transcriptional regulatory domains of Prop1 and tested them in cell culture and mice. A BAC transgene containing Prop1 completely rescues the Prop1 mutant phenotype, demonstrating that the regulatory elements necessary for proper PROP1 transcription are contained within the BAC. We generated DNA sequences from the PROP1 genes in lemur, pig, and five different primate species. Comparison of these with available human and mouse PROP1 sequences identified three putative regulatory sequences that are highly conserved. These are located in the PROP1 promoter proximal region, within the first intron of PROP1, and downstream of PROP1. Each of the conserved elements elicited orientation-specific enhancer activity in the context of the Drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase minimal promoter in both heterologous and pituitary-derived cells lines. The intronic element is sufficient to confer dorsal expansion of the pituitary expression domain of a transgene, suggesting that this element is important for the normal spatial expression of endogenous Prop1 during pituitary development. This study illustrates the usefulness of a comparative genomics approach in the identification of regulatory elements that may be the site of mutations responsible for some cases of MPHD.

Four novel mutations of the LHX3 gene cause combined pituitary hormone deficiencies with or without limited neck rotation.

CONTEXT: The Lhx3 LIM-homeodomain transcription factor gene is required for development of the pituitary and motoneurons in mice. Human LHX3 gene mutations have been reported in five subjects with a phenotype consisting of GH, prolactin, TSH, LH, and FSH deficiency; abnormal pituitary morphology; and limited neck rotation. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the frequency and nature of LHX3 mutations in patients with isolated GH deficiency or combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) and characterize the molecular consequences of mutations. DESIGN: The LHX3 sequence was determined. The biochemical properties of aberrant LHX3 proteins resulting from observed mutations were characterized using reporter gene and DNA binding experiments. PATIENTS: The study included 366 patients with isolated GH deficiency or CPHD. RESULTS: In seven patients with CPHD from four consanguineous pedigrees, four novel, recessive mutations were identified: a deletion of the entire gene (del/del), mutations causing truncated proteins (E173ter, W224ter), and a mutation causing a substitution in the homeodomain (A210V). The mutations were associated with diminished DNA binding and pituitary gene activation, consistent with observed hormone deficiencies. Whereas subjects with del/del, E173ter, and A210V mutations had limited neck rotation, patients with the W224ter mutation did not. CONCLUSIONS: LHX3 mutations are a rare cause of CPHD involving deficiencies for GH, prolactin, TSH, and LH/FSH in all patients. Whereas most patients have a severe hormone deficiency manifesting after birth, milder forms can be observed, and limited neck rotation is not a universal feature of patients with LHX3 mutations. This study extends the known molecular defects and range of phenotypes found in LHX3-associated diseases.

Transgenic mice expressing LHX3 transcription factor isoforms in the pituitary: effects on the gonadotrope axis and sex-specific reproductive disease.

The LHX3 transcription factor plays critical roles in pituitary and nervous system development. Mutations in the human LHX3 gene cause severe hormone deficiency diseases. The gene produces two mRNAs which can be translated to three protein isoforms. The LHX3a protein contains a central region with LIM domains and a homeodomain, and a carboxyl terminus with the major transactivation domain. LHX3b is identical to LHX3a except that it has a different amino terminus. M2-LHX3 lacks the amino terminus and LIM domains of LHX3a/b. In vitro experiments have demonstrated these three proteins have different biochemical and gene regulatory properties. Here, to investigate the effects of overexpression of LHX3 in vivo, the alpha glycoprotein subunit (alphaGSU) promoter was used to produce LHX3a, LHX3b, and M2-LHX3 in the pituitary glands of transgenic mice. Alpha GSU-beta galactosidase animals were generated as controls. Male alphaGSU-LHX3a and alphaGSU-LHX3b mice are infertile and die at a young age as a result of complications associated with obstructive uropathy including uremia. These animals have a reduced number of pituitary gonadotrope cells, low circulating gonadotropins, and possible sex hormone imbalance. Female alphaGSU-LHX3a and alphaGSU-LHX3b transgenic mice are viable but have reduced fertility. By contrast, alphaGSU-M2-LHX3 mice and control mice expressing beta galactosidase are reproductively unaffected. These overexpression studies provide insights into the properties of LHX3 during pituitary development and highlight the importance of this factor in reproductive physiology.

Identification and expression of Hop, an atypical homeobox gene expressed late in lens fiber cell terminal differentiation.

PURPOSE: To identify transcripts expressed late in lens fiber cell maturation that might regulate fiber cell fusion, organelle degradation, or other events associated with the maturation of lens fiber cells. METHODS: cDNA libraries were prepared from microdissected regions of chicken embryo lenses using a PCR-based method. Subtractive hybridization was used to identify transcripts expressed exclusively in fiber cells that had detached from the lens capsule. Database searches and PCR amplification with degenerate primers were used to identify human, mouse, rat, rabbit, and bovine orthologs of one such sequence and to confirm its expression in the lenses of these animals. The ability of in vitro-transcribed and translated protein to bind DNA was assessed by mobility shift assays. The locus encoding this transcript and an area about 6 kb upstream of the translation start site were sequenced. The microscopic morphology of lenses from mice in which the locus encoding this protein had been disrupted by the insertion of a nuclear-targeted bacterial lacZ sequence were analyzed. Gene expression was analyzed by PCR, in situ hybridization, and by staining for beta-galactosidase activity in lenses expressing lacZ in place of the coding sequence. Knockout lenses expressing green fluorescent protein in a mosaic pattern were sectioned in the equatorial plane and viewed with a confocal microscope to assess the presence of cell-cell fusions during fiber cell maturation. RESULTS: Subtractive hybridization identified transcripts encoding Hop, a short, atypical homeodomain-containing protein that had previously been shown to be an important regulator of gene expression in the heart and lung. Chicken Hop did not bind to known homeodomain-binding sequences in DNA. In chicken embryos, Hop transcripts were first detected at E6. At all stages analyzed, Hop mRNA was only detected in cells that had detached from the lens capsule. Mice in which the Hop coding sequence was replaced with nuclear-targeted beta-galactosidase showed that Hop was expressed in the mouse lens in a similar pattern to the chicken lens. Characterization of lenses from mice lacking Hop revealed no morphological phenotype and no apparent defects in the degradation of nuclei or fiber cell fusion during fiber cell maturation. CONCLUSIONS: The expression pattern of Hop provides the first evidence that new transcription is initiated in lens fiber cells after they detach from the capsule. Hop may be the first of a class of genes with this pattern of expression. Although lens abnormalities have yet to be identified in mice lacking Hop, the genomic sequences that regulate Hop expression in the lens may be useful for expressing exogenous transcripts selectively in fiber cells just before they fuse with their neighbors and degrade their organelles.

Roles of the LHX3 and LHX4 LIM-homeodomain factors in pituitary development.

The LHX3 and LHX4 LIM-homeodomain transcription factors play essential roles in pituitary gland and nervous system development. Mutations in the genes encoding these regulatory proteins are associated with combined hormone deficiency diseases in humans and animal models. Patients with these diseases have complex syndromes involving short stature, and reproductive and metabolic disorders. Analyses of the features of these diseases and the biochemical properties of the LHX3 and LHX4 proteins will facilitate a better understanding of the molecular pathways that regulate the development of the specialized hormone-secreting cells of the mammalian anterior pituitary gland.