Gonad and Adrenal Development
Section: Section of Gene Function and Regulation
A Swain, P Val, FW Buaas
We are studying the differentiation of steroidogenic cells of the gonad and adrenal. As yet very little is known about the molecular events that determine the differentiation of testicular Leydig cells and adrenal cortical cells and what regulate the production of steroids during embryogenesis. We are studying the regulation of the genes encoding the enzymes involved in the steroid biosynthetic pathway during early testis and adrenal development. This analysis will provide information on the regulation of these genes at different stages of Leydig and adrenal cortical cell differentiation.
We are also investigating cell–cell interactions in the testis and adrenal to identify those that are important in the differentiation of steroidogenic cells. We have set up in vitro organ cultures and we are assaying the cell interactions that are required to induce steroid production in the gonad and adrenal. We are also studying the role of wnt-4, a secreted signalling molecule, in the regulation of steroid production in the embryonic gonad.
External Funding: MRC
In the Section of Gene Function and Regulation
