Institut für Humangenetik
Universität Göttingen
Arbeitsgruppe Dr. I. Adham
Heinrich-Düker-Weg 12, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
Phone: 551-397536, Fax: 551-399303
Email: iadham@gwdg.de
Research Interest:
Control of testis descent by the Insl3 hormone
Control of the germ-cells proliferation
The overall focus of my laboratory is to understand the role of sexual dimorphic expressed genes in regulating the mammalian sexual differentiation and the role of genes in control of germ cell proliferation. Current Projects include:
1) Control of testis descent by the Insl3 hormone. We have proviously characterized a novel member of the insulin-like hormone superfamily, Insl3, which is specifically expressed in Leydig cells of the fetal and adult testis. To determine the role of Insl3 in sexual differentiation, we have generated mice containing a targeted disruption of the Insl3 gene. Morphological abnormality were only observed in Insl3 deficient males, which exibited bilateral cryptorchid testes. These malformations are due to failure of gubernaculum development during embryogenesis. Our analyses of the double mutant XY-mice lacking Insl3 and a functional androgen receptor revealed that sexual dimorphic position of the gonads is dependent on differential development of the cranial suspensory ligament (CSL) and the gubernaculum. The results of these analyses also revealed that regression of the CSL and induction of the gubernaculum development are mediated by testosteron and the Insl3, respectively. Projects presently under investigation include the relationship between Insl3, and another hormones and factors in the gene cascade, which regulates the process of the gubernaculum development and regulation of the Insl3 gene.
2) Control of the germ-cells proliferation. To understand the role of genes in regulating the switch between mitosis and meiosis division of germ-cells, we are currently characterizing the expression and function of the pelota gene and a novel member of the ATF transcription factor, which is predominantly expressed in the germ-cells undergoing the meiosis division. The Drosophila Pelota has been shown to be regulate the cell cycle of the meiosis division.
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