Disease relevance of Crp

• We have identified a Crp/Fnr-like transcriptional regulator of Streptococcus pyogenes that when inactivated attenuates virulence [1].
• Expression of the pituitary transcription factor Ptx-1, but not that of the trans-activating factor prop-1, is reduced in human corticotroph adenomas and is associated with decreased alpha-subunit secretion [2].
• We have studied the expression of the pituitary transcription factors Ptx-1 and Prop-1 in a series of 34 pituitary adenomas fully characterized for in vitro hormone secretion and histological staining [2].

High impact information on Crp

• We now show that targeted inactivation of the mouse Ptx1 gene severely impairs hindlimb development: the ilium and knee cartilage are absent and the long bones are underdeveloped [3].
• Ptx1 expression overlaps with that of Ptx2 in stomodeum and in posterior left lateral plate mesoderm [3].
• Ptx1 is also expressed in the most anterior ectoderm, the stomodeum, and in the first branchial arch [3].
• In studies involving mammalian cell lines, the pituitary transcription factor Ptx-1 has been shown to be a pituitary hormone panactivator, whereas more recent studies have shown that it plays an important role in alpha-subunit gene expression [2].

Anatomical context of Crp

• Since the most affected structures derive from the dorsal side of hindlimb buds, the data suggest that Ptx1 is responsible for patterning of these dorsal structures and that as such it may control development of hindlimb-specific features [3].
• Ptx1 inactivation also leads to loss of bones derived from the proximal part of the mandibular mesenchyme [3].

References