Transcription Factor Pit-1 and Its Clinical Implications

Abstract
This review presents a transcription factor, Pit I, and its relevance to clinical practice. Our knowledge of the molecular and genetic basis of disease is growing at an amazing pace. Intranuclear transcription factor proteins, which influence gene expression, are being discovered and characterized. Pit-1, a pituitary-specific transcription factor, is necessary for the development and subsequent function of somatotrophs, lactotrophs, and thyrotrophs of the anterior pituitary gland. In this review we will discuss the molecular mechanisms by which Pit-1 influences gene expression and explore the role of this factor in pituitary diseases such as hypopituitarism and pituitary tumors.