description) The long-term research objectives of the investigator are to determine the molecular mechanisms that regulate the expression of Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS) and how MIS signals Mullerian duct regression during mammalian reproductive tract development. With the investigator's recent finding that a major regulator of MIS gene expression in the developing male gonad is the orphan nuclear receptor, steroidogenic factor-l (SF-1) and preliminary identification of a soluble protein factor secreted by the Sertoli cell referred to as Gonadal Activation Factor (GAF) that activates SF-1, the following specific aims are proposed: 1) to complete the characterization of the MIS promoter in vivo; 2) to purify, characterize and clone GAF; and 3) to characterize the mechanism of GAF activation of SF-1. These studies will provide insight into the molecular mechanisms that govern mammalian sex determination and reproductive development and the basis of human sexual disorders.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research (K02)
Project #
5K02HD001178-04
Application #
6181973
Study Section
Pediatrics Subcommittee (CHHD)
Program Officer
Rankin, Tracy L
Project Start
1997-07-01
Project End
2002-06-30
Budget Start
2000-07-01
Budget End
2001-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$63,990
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California San Francisco
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
094878337
City
San Francisco
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94143