title: Gene Targeting in Neuroendocrinology.
abstract: Research in neuroendocrinology faces particular challenges due to the complex interactions between cells in the hypothalamus, in the pituitary gland and in peripheral tissues. Within the hypothalamus alone, attempting to target a specific neuronal cell type can be problematic due to the heterogeneous nature and level of cellular diversity of hypothalamic nuclei. Because of the inherent complexity of the reproductive axis, the use of animal models and in vivo experiments are often a prerequisite in reproductive neuroendocrinology. The advent of targeted genetic modifications, particularly in mice, has opened new avenues of neuroendocrine research. Within this review, we evaluate various mouse models used in reproductive neuroendocrinology and discuss the different approaches to generate genetically modified mice, along with their inherent advantages and disadvantages. We also discuss a variety of versatile genetic tools with a focus on their potential use in reproductive neuroendocrinology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Saarland School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Candlish
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Saarland School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Angelis
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Saarland School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Viktoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Götz
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Saarland School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Boehm
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018390:Gene Targeting / Q000379:methods; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006058:Gonadal Disorders / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010900:Pituitary Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy