Analysis of Sf-1 transcription factor and its regulation in rat adrenal cell primary culture: the role of Pod-1/TCF21.

Author(s)

Nayara Pereira de Abreu

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2013-08-15

Examining board members

Claudimara Ferini Pacicco Lotfi; Madson Queiroz de Almeida; Patricia Gama

• Advisor: Claudimara Ferini Pacicco Lotfi

Abstract

The steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) is a transcription factor involved in the development, steroids production and adrenal cortex proliferation. There are evidences that suggest that POD-1/TCF21 may be involved in the inhibition of SF-1 and modulating the SF-1 function in steroidogenic cells. However, the expression and the relation between SF-1 and POD-1 in normal adrenocortical cells are still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether Pod-1 regulates the expression of Sf-1 by overexpression of Pod-1 in primary cell cultures of rat adrenal cortex. We analyzed the expression of endogenous Sf-1 and Pod-1 by RT-PCR quantitative in glomerulosa (G) and fasciculata/reticularis (F/R) cells and also in cells transfected with plasmid CMVMycPod-1. The results showed that the SF-1 expression is higher in F/R cells than the G cells. Moreover, both cell types showed low endogenous expression of Pod-1. Analysis of Sf-1 expression in transfected cells showed a statistically significant increase in the Sf-1 expression in F/R cells but not in G cells. These results suggest a mechanism of action of Pod-1 in the regulation of Sf-1 in normal cells distinct of described in adrenocortical tumor cells and other steroidogenic cells. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/01031-1 - Study expression of transcription factor SF-1 and its regulation in primary cultures of rat adrenal: the role of Pod-1/TCF-21
• Grantee: Nayara Pereira de Abreu
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master