Endocrine Abstracts

Osteoarthritis (OA) may be associated with endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, obesity, primary hyperparathyroidism or acromegaly, although often its cause remains undefined. To facilitate investigations of the underlying molecular mechanisms of OA we have investigated N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutant mice using a genotype-driven approach in which candidate genes are examined for mutations. One such investigated gene is growth and differentiation factor...

The calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) is a G protein coupled receptor that is expressed in type A intercalated cells of the distal convoluted tubule and cortical collecting ducts, where it is involved in renal proton excretion. We have therefore investigated the Nuf mouse, which has an activating CaSR mutation (Leu723Gln) that leads to hypocalcaemia, hypercalciuria, renal calcification, a urinary concentrating defect, and cataracts, for disturbances in acid-base homeostasis. Mic...

Mutations of the transcription factor GATA3, which is important for maintaining human breast luminal epithelial cell differentiation and quiescence, have been reported in 17 oestrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancers, although the functional effects of these mutations have not been studied. We therefore investigated 56 ER-positive breast cancers for GATA3 mutations. The tumours were macrodissected, and immunohistochemistry for GATA3 revealed a strong correlation between E...

Investigations of skeletal dysplasias which are often inherited have yielded important insights in the molecular mechanisms of bone development, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. However, these studies have been hampered by the lack of available patients and affected families. To overcome this limitation, we have investigated mice treated with the chemical mutagen N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) for hereditary musculoskeletal disorders. Mice were kept in accordance wi...

Abnormalities of calcium homeostasis such as secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism, and renal osteodystrophy often occur in patients with kidney failure. However, investigations of the underlying molecular mechanisms have been hampered by the lack of available tissues from patients and the lack of suitable animal models. We therefore sought to overcome this limitation by investigating mice treated with the chemical mutagen N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea and identified...