title: Function of steroidogenic factor 1 during development and differentiation of the reproductive system.
abstract: Intact reproductive development depends on steroids and other endocrine signals. Although recent discoveries have elucidated important steps of sexual differentiation, the intricate mechanisms that regulate the development of steroid-producing tissues remain elusive. In adults, complex feedback mechanisms determine the hypothalamic and pituitary regulation of steroid hormone biosynthesis. Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1), an orphan member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of proteins, plays a critical role in development and differentiation of the endocrine and reproductive systems. This review provides an overview of the function of SF-1, its mechanism of action, and a perspective on the interaction of SF-1 with other determinants of sexual differentiation. Whereas SF-1 is essential for the expression of numerous steroidogenic enzymes, its presence may not correlate with steroidogenic function. Moreover, diverse co-regulators modulate the influence of SF-1 on gene transcription. The significance of these interactions is discussed in the context of reproductive development and function. Other orphan or ligand-dependent nuclear proteins may share similar mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sadovsky
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dorn
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D051717:Fushi Tarazu Transcription Factors; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005835:Genitalia / Q000254:growth & development; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009928:Organ Specificity; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; D012098:Reproduction; D012733:Sex Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D054339:Steroidogenic Factor 1; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D051717:Fushi Tarazu Transcription Factors; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; C515057:NR5A1 protein, human; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; D054339:Steroidogenic Factor 1; D014157:Transcription Factors