IBN-9507972 Lephart, Edwin D. The sex steroid hormones can be transformed from one class to another by certain enzymes. The conversion of androgens (e.g. testosterone) to estrogens by an enzyme known as aromatase cytochrome P450 plays an important role in influencing the development of the central nervous system. The dramatic impact of estrogen formation via the aromatase enzyme is responsible for structural differences between males and females in specific brain regions. These structural differences determine how the central nervous system will function along male versus female patterns for hormone secretion and the regulation of sexual behavior. This study will determine how brain estrogen biosynthesis is controlled by the aromatase gene. This will be accomplished by utilizing various molecular biological techniques. The goal of these studies is to determine the molecular basis of brain aromatase regulation by determining the regulatory elements governing how the aromatase gene is activated. To accomplish this goal, Dr. Lephart will characterize the regulatory sequences upstream of the start site of transcription for the aromatase gene and whether these elements change during development. The regulation of aromatase gene expression by androgen will be investigated and the message in brain encoding this critical enzyme will also be studied. The outcome of these studies will allow the development of a picture about how the proteins in the brain control the expression of enyzmes critical for the development of essential centers in the brain.
