The goal of this research proposal is to gain a better understanding of the interaction between the hypothalamic- pituitary-thyroid axis and the somatostatinergic system and their combined effect of pituitary thyrotrope regulation. Using the murine TtT-97 thyrotropic tumor model, we have previously demonstrated that treatment with thyroid hormone reduces tumor size in association with enhanced expression of the mouse somatostatin receptor type 5 (msst5) gene. The studies proposed aim to characterize these in vivo observations by investigating basal promoter activity of the msst5 gene and its regulation by thyroid hormone. Not only will these data enhance our understanding of the basic molecular mechanisms of the somatostatinergic system and pituitary regulation, but have long range clinical applications regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors. The somatostatin analog, octreotide, has been used to treat a variety of neuroendocrine tumors and description of the molecular mechanisms of the somatostatinergic system will be of clinical application to these diseases. Further knowledge of somatostatin receptor function and regulation will potentially contribute to the development of more efficacious somatostatin analogs for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors. The proposed research will take place in the Division of Endocrinology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, CO under the direction of Division Chief Dr. E. C. Ridgway. The principal investigator is a physician postdoctoral fellow with a strong commitment to basic science research and a career in academic medicine. Her short term goal is to complete the studies outlined in this proposal and her long term goal is to become a well trained independent basic scientist in the field of molecular neuroendocrinology. This Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award (K08) will enable her to gain the necessary skills required to progress in her development as an independent investigator. The institution and her mentors provide a supportive setting for her to flourish as a physician- scientist.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
5K08DK002813-03
Application #
6516764
Study Section
Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases B Subcommittee (DDK)
Program Officer
Hyde, James F
Project Start
2000-04-01
Project End
2005-03-31
Budget Start
2002-04-01
Budget End
2003-03-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$128,250
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Colorado Denver
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
065391526
City
Aurora
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80045
Sarapura, Virginia D; Wood, William M; Woodmansee, Whitney W et al. (2006) Pituitary tumors arising from glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit-deficient mice contain transcription factors and receptors present in thyrotropes. Pituitary 9:11-8
Woodmansee, Whitney W; Kerr, Janice M; Tucker, Elizabeth A et al. (2006) The proliferative status of thyrotropes is dependent on modulation of specific cell cycle regulators by thyroid hormone. Endocrinology 147:272-82
Kerr, Janice M; Gordon, David F; Woodmansee, Whitney W et al. (2005) Growth arrest of thyrotropic tumors by thyroid hormone is correlated with novel changes in Wnt-10A. Mol Cell Endocrinol 238:57-67
Gordon, David F; Woodmansee, Whitney W; Black, Jennifer N et al. (2002) Domains of Pit-1 required for transcriptional synergy with GATA-2 on the TSH beta gene. Mol Cell Endocrinol 196:53-66
Woodmansee, Whitney W; Mouser, Rhonda L; Gordon, David F et al. (2002) Mutational analysis of the mouse somatostatin receptor type 5 gene promoter. Endocrinology 143:2268-76