Endocrine Abstracts

The transcription factor, Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1/NR5A1) is the only specific marker of the VMH, to date. Total SF-1 deficiency results in defective VMH neuronal differentiation and architecture, and mice heterozygous for SF-1 (SF-1+/−), or conditionally depleted of SF-1 in the VMH show reduced levels of the neurotrophin Bdnf and an increased propensity for weight gain. Recent studies have suggested several putative SF-1 target genes in the VMH tha...