title: Targeting DAX-1 in embryonic stem cells and cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  DAX-1 (NR0B1) is an unusual orphan nuclear receptor whose function is essential for the development of the human adrenal cortex and onset of puberty. Recent data have implicated this transcription factor also in embryonic stem cell and cancer biology.
  
  
  METHODS
  The role of DAX-1 in the regulation of development and function of the adrenal cortex, reproductive axis, embryonic stem cells and a few types of cancer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Here we review the past and present milestones in DAX-1 research and try to provide hints about the development and fields of application of DAX-1-targeted drugs in the future.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The unusual structure and restricted expression pattern of DAX-1 may offer unique opportunities for drug discovery.
authors.affiliation: Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire CNRS UMR 6097, Valbonne, France. ninino@ipmc.cnrs.fr
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lalli
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Alonso
mesh_terms: D000302:Adrenal Cortex / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D057137:DAX-1 Orphan Nuclear Receptor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D015514:Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / Q000502:physiology; D051789:Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1 / Q000502:physiology; D034802:RNA-Binding Protein EWS; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D057137:DAX-1 Orphan Nuclear Receptor; C106031:EWS-FLI fusion protein; D015514:Oncogene Proteins, Fusion; D051789:Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1; D034802:RNA-Binding Protein EWS