Pituitary tumorgenesis is likely to be associated with mutations or derangements of normal corticotrophspecific regulatory pathways. Understanding how corticotroph-lineage develops in normal embryos will help elucidate mechanisms underlining corticotroph tumor ontogeny. Corticotroph ontogeny during vertebrate development involves molecular pathways distinct from other pituitary cell lineages. The critical determinants of corticotroph differentiation remain largely unclear. Both transcription factors and soluble molecules signaling via Jak/STAT pathways are involved in corticotroph development and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) expression. Using POMC expression as an entry point, I propose to study genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying corticotroph determination and differentiation in zebrafish.
The aims of this proposal are (1) to elucidate the critical roles of STAT 3 in POMC lineage development; (2) to participate in a genetic screen to identify and characterize essential genes required for development of POMC lineage. My mentor, Dr. Shuo Lin, is an co-PI for a NIH-funded organ-specific genetic screen that utilizes live transgenic zebrafish harboring fluorescent tissues. Transgenic zebrafish expressing green fluorescent protein driven by the POMC promoter offer a unique in vivo model allowing a detailed genetic analysis of POMC-specific cells in living embryos.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31DK065362-04
Application #
7086793
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MBC-1 (29))
Program Officer
Agodoa, Lawrence Y
Project Start
2003-08-21
Project End
2007-07-20
Budget Start
2006-07-21
Budget End
2007-07-20
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$27,452
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
092530369
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095