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This Article Accepted manuscript (PDF) All Versions of this Article: JOE-08-0447v1 200/3/245    most recent Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Alatzoglou, K. Articles by Dattani, M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Alatzoglou, K. Articles by Dattani, M.

K Alatzoglou, Clinical and Molecular Genetics Unit, Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
D Kelberman, Clinical and Molecular Genetics Unit, Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
M Dattani, Clinical and Molecular Genetics Unit, Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom

Correspondence: Mehul Dattani, Email: m.dattani{at}ich.ucl.ac.uk

Abstract

Pituitary development is a complex process that depends on the co-ordinated spatial and temporal expression of transcription factors and signalling molecules that culminates in the formation of a complex organ, which secretes six hormones from five different cell types. Given the fact that all distinct hormone producing cells arise from a common ectodermal primordium, the patterning, architecture and plasticity of the gland is impressive. Among the transcription factors involved in the early steps of pituitary organogenesis are SOX2 and SOX3, members of the SOX family that are emerging as key players in many developmental processes. Studies in vitro and in vivo in transgenic animal models have helped to elucidate their expression patterns and roles in the developing hypothalamo-pituitary region. It has been demonstrated that they may be involved in pituitary development either directly, through shaping of Rathke’s pouch, or indirectly affecting signalling from the diencephalon. Their role has been further underlined by the pleiotropic effects of their mutations in humans that range from isolated hormone deficiencies to panhypopituitarism and developmental abnormalities affecting many organ systems. However, the exact mechanism of action of SOX proteins, their downstream targets and their interplay within the extensive network that regulates pituitary development is still the subject of a growing number of studies. The elucidation of their role is crucial for the understanding of a number of processes that range from developmental mechanisms to disease phenotypes and tumorigenesis.