Expression of an orphan nuclear receptor DAX-1 in human pituitary adenomas.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

An orphan nuclear receptor, DAX-1, is known to be involved in the development and differentiation of anterior pituitary cells. The present study aimed to examine 1) whether DAX-1 is expressed in human pituitary adenomas, and 2) if it is expressed, what types of adenoma express the factor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Adenoma tissues examined included 18 clinically non-functioning adenomas, 14 GH-secreting adenomas and 7 PRL-secreting adenomas. The expression of the following genes were tested by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR): DAX-1, Adrenal-4-binding protein/steroidogenic factor-1 (Ad4BP/SF-1), Pit-1, LH beta, FSH beta, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R), GH, PRL, and TSH beta, as well as beta-actin as a control.

RESULTS:

Eleven clinically non-functioning adenomas expressed DAX-1, 10 of which also expressed Ad4BP/SF-1. Nine out of the 11 DAX-1 expressing adenomas also expressed LH beta, FSH beta and GnRH-R as well, indicating that these adenomas possessed gonadotrophic properties. Nine clinically non-functioning adenomas expressed Pit-1 as well as GH, PRL and/or TSH beta, thus having somatomammotrophic or thyrotrophic properties, 3 of which overlapped with the above DAX-1-expressing adenomas. One non-functioning adenoma expressed Ad4BP/SF1 and FSH beta but not DAX-1, and another one expressed DAX-1 and Ad4BP/SF-1 with PRL. On the other hand, all GH-secreting and PRL-secreting adenomas expressed Pit-1 and GH and/or PRL, but neither DAX-1 nor Ad4BP/SF-1.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results shown here indicate that DAX-1 is expressed in the majority of human pituitary adenomas of gonadotrophic origin in parallel with Adrenal-4-binding protein/steroidogenic factor-1.

• Authors: S Ikuyama, Y M Mu, K Ohe, H Nakagaki, T Fukushima, R Takayanagi, H Nawata
• Journal: Clinical endocrinology (Clin Endocrinol (Oxf)) Vol. 48 Issue 5 Pg. 647-54 (May 1998) ISSN: 0300-0664 [Print] England
• PMID: 9666878 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• DAX-1 Orphan Nuclear Receptor
• DNA-Binding Proteins
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit
• NR0B1 protein, human
• POU1F1 protein, human
• Receptors, LHRH
• Receptors, Retinoic Acid
• Repressor Proteins
• Transcription Factor Pit-1
• Transcription Factors
• Prolactin
• Luteinizing Hormone
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone
• Thyrotropin
• Growth Hormone

Topics

• Adenoma (metabolism)
• DAX-1 Orphan Nuclear Receptor
• DNA-Binding Proteins (genetics)
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (genetics)
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit
• Gene Expression
• Growth Hormone (genetics, metabolism)
• Humans
• Luteinizing Hormone (genetics)
• Pituitary Neoplasms (metabolism)
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Prolactin (genetics)
• Prolactinoma (metabolism)
• Receptors, LHRH (genetics)
• Receptors, Retinoic Acid (genetics)
• Repressor Proteins
• Thyrotropin (genetics)
• Transcription Factor Pit-1
• Transcription Factors (genetics)