Abstract
Lhx3 and Lhx4 (Gsh4), two closely related LIM homeobox genes, determine formation of the pituitary gland in mice. Rathke's pouch is formed in two steps-first as a rudiment and later as a definitive pouch. Lhx3 and Lhx4 have redundant control over formation of the definitive pouch. Lhx3 controls a subsequent step of pituitary fate commitment. Thereafter, Lhx3 and Lhx4 together regulate proliferation and differentiation of pituitary-specific cell lineages. Thus, Lhx3 and Lhx4 dictate pituitary organ identity by controlling developmental decisions at multiple stages of organogenesis.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cell Differentiation
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Cell Division
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Cell Lineage
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Embryonic and Fetal Development / genetics
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
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Genes, Homeobox*
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Homeodomain Proteins / genetics*
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Homeodomain Proteins / physiology
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LIM-Homeodomain Proteins
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Mice
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Mutation
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Pituitary Gland / chemistry
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Pituitary Gland / cytology
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Pituitary Gland / embryology*
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Pituitary Hormones / analysis
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Pituitary Hormones / genetics
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Stem Cells / cytology
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Transcription Factors*
Substances
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Homeodomain Proteins
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LIM-Homeodomain Proteins
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Lhx3 protein
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Lhx4 protein, mouse
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Pituitary Hormones
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Transcription Factors