1. Pitx2 deletion in pituitary gonadotropes is compatible with gonadal development, puberty, and fertility
- Author
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Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan ; Michael A. Charles, Amanda H. Mortensen, and Mary Anne Potok contributed equally to this work., Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan ; Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0618, Charles, Michael A., Mortensen, Amanda H., Potok, Mary Anne, Camper, Sally A., Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan ; Michael A. Charles, Amanda H. Mortensen, and Mary Anne Potok contributed equally to this work., Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan ; Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0618, Charles, Michael A., Mortensen, Amanda H., Potok, Mary Anne, and Camper, Sally A.
- Abstract
This report introduces a gonadotrope-specific cre transgenic mouse capable of ablating floxed genes in mature pituitary gonadotropes. Initial analysis of this transgenic line, Tg(Lhb-cre)1Sac , reveals that expression is limited to the pituitary cells that produce luteinizing hormone beta, beginning appropriately at e17.5. Cre activity is detectable by a reporter gene in nearly every LH??-producing cell, but the remaining hormone-producing cell types and other organs exhibit little to no activity. We used the Tg(Lhb-cre)1Sac strain to assess the role Pitx2 in gonadotrope function. The gonadotrope-specific Pitx2 knockout mice exhibit normal expression of LH??, sexual maturation, and fertility, suggesting that Pitx2 is not required for gonadotrope maintenance or for regulated production of gonadotropins. genesis 46:507???514, 2008. ?? 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
- Published
- 2008