The Pit-1 transcription factor gene is a candidate for the murine Snell dwarf mutation

摘要: Two nonallelic mouse mutations with severe dwarf phenotypes are characterized by a lack of growth hormone, prolactin, and thyroid stimulating hormone. The cells that normally synthesize these pituitary hormones express common transcription factor called GHF-1 or Pit-1. Using an intersubspecific backcross, we have demonstrated tight linkage the Pit-1 Snell (dw) genes on chromosome 16. No recombination was observed between dw in 110 individuals examined. Southern blot analysis genomic DNA reveals gene is rearranged C3H/HeJ-dwJ/dw mice but not coisogenic +/+ animals, providing molecular evidence lesion results phenotype. Demonstration low levels expression Ames (df) implies both df may be required for differentiation.