Molecular basis of pituitary dysfunction in mouse and human

Homeodomain transcription factors have critical roles in both pituitary gland development and function (Watkins-Chow and Camper 1998). Deregulation of homeobox genes expressed in the anterior pituitary has been shown to result in various forms of pituitary gland dysfunction. Spontaneous and engineered mouse models with loss of function mutations in these genes have helped elucidate the specific role(s) each transcription factor plays in pituitary gland ontogeny. In addition, the examination of these genes in humans with pituitary hormone deficiency disorders and pituitary adenomas has contributed to our understanding of pituitary gland development (Heaney and Melmed 2000; Parker et al. 2000). The identification of novel homeobox gene mutations involved in human pituitary disorders, the examination of mouse models with increased transcription factor function, and the analysis of pituitary-specific deletions of transcription factor genes will further our understanding of pituitary gland organogenesis in both mice and humans.