Steroidogenic factor 1: a key determinant of endocrine development and function.

A. Overview of steroidogenesis B. SF-1 and the regulation of steroidogenesis C. Cloning and structural characterization of SF-1 1. Structural features of SF-1 2. Multiple transcripts are encoded by the gene encoding SF-1 3. The gene encoding SF-1 is evolutionarily conserved in vertebrates and invertebrates III. Characterization of Sites of SF-1 Expression and Identification of Its Target Genes A. Profiles of SF-1 expression 1. Adult steroidogenic tissues 2. Embryonic steroidogenic tissues 3. Other sites of SF-1 expression B. Target genes regulated by SF-1 1. Steroidogenic cells 2. Sertoli cells 3. Gonadotropes 4. VMH IV. The Roles Of SF-1 in Vivo: Targeted Gene Disruption to Create SF-1 Knockout Mice A. General features of the SF-1 knockout mice B. Primary steroidogenic tissues in SF-1 knockout mice C. Pituitary and hypothalamic defects in SF-1 knockout mice V. Perspectives and Future Directions A. What are the roles of the various transcripts encoded by the Ftz-F1 gene? B. Does a ligand mediate SF-1 transcriptional activa-tion? C. Where does SF-1 fit within hierarchical cascades of endocrine development? 1. Which other genes also contribute to tissue-selective expression of SF-1 target genes? 2. Which target genes of SF-1 mediate its key roles in maintaining the adrenal glands, gonads, and VMH?