Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2007

Mentor: Lisa Halvorson, MD
Department: OB/GYN- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Room number: F2.302
Mail Code: 9032
Phone number: 214-648-2309
E-mail: Lisa.Halvorson@UTSouthwestern.edu
Project title: 1) transcriptional regulation of the gonadotropin and GnRH-R genes 2) regulation of PACAP gene expression in the pituitary gland

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): not applicable

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): pending

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects) basic research

Brief Description of Project:
Our research focuses on the physiology of the gonadotropin-producing cells (gonadotropes) of the anterior pituitary gland. A long-standing project focuses on the transcription factors and associated DNA-regulatory elements which mediate expression of basal and GnRH-stimulated expression of the luteinizing hormone -subunit (LH ). The orphan nuclear hormone receptor, steroidogenic factor-1, is known to be critical for expression of the LH subunit. We now have evidence that a closely related transcription factor, liver receptor homologue-1, is also involved in regulation of the LH gene. We are now in the process of comparing and contrasting the roles of these two factors on expression of this gene as well as the GnRH-receptor gene.
Recent data has suggested that gonadotropes secrete a peptide hormone known as PACAP (pituitary adenylate-cyclase activating peptide). As suggested by its name, PACAP stimulates the cAMP/protein kinase A system, thereby increasing expression of pituitary genes, including luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. Thus, PACAP may act as an autocrine factor in gonadotropes (ie., PACAP is produced by and acts on gonadotrope cells). We have begun to identify and characterize factors which regulate expression of the PACAP gene, focusing on hormones with known importance to reproduction such a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), steroids, and PACAP itself.
Techniques used in the laboratory include cell culture, transient transfection of DNA constructs, gel shift analysis, Western analysis, siRNA, ChIP and DNA mutagenesis.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:
Ignacio Montoya - Abstracts: Annual Medical Student Research Forum, 2003; Society for Gynecologic Investigation, 2004; Society for Gynecologic Investigation, 2005
Litsa Lambrakos - Abstract: Society for Gynecologic Investigation, 2006. Awarded MD with Distinction in Research (Spring, 2007)

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