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Use of luciferase reporters to study melatonin signalling and real-time gene expression in the pituitary gland of a seasonal mammal

ReferenceS09286
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Andrew Loudon
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Dr Maria Castro, Professor Julian Davis, Professor Michael White
Institution The University of Manchester
DepartmentLife Sciences
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 243,482
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 06/05/1998
End date 30/11/2001
Duration42 months

Abstract

We propose to study melatonin regulated prolactin gene expression in lactotroph cells by developing light-emitting luciferase reporter constructs for use in pituitary endocrine cells. This will for the first time permit the detailed definition of the temporal dynamics of gene expression in endocrine cells. We will define ways in which melatonin regulates prolactin gene expression in lactotroph cells located in the pars distalis of the pituitary via action on the pars tuberalis and regulation of the secretion of the prolactin secretagogue, tuberalin. Our approach includes novel technologies for use of luciferase reporters delivered by direct microinjection or packaged into adenoviral vectors. This latter technique will allow us to create transgenic cells in novel species (seasonal hamsters) and thus elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying photoperiodic regulation of hormone secretion. (Joint with grant S09291).

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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