EDRI Federal Project Inventory:
Brain Aromatase Cytochrome P-450 and CNS Development
- Sponsor Organization: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
- Project Title: BRAIN AROMATASE CYTOCHROME P-450 AND CNS DEVELOPMENT
- Project Focus: HUMAN HEALTH EFFECTS
- Description: The sex steroid hormones can be transformed from one class to another
by certainenzymes. The conversion of androgens (e.g. testosterone) to
estrogens by an enzymeknown as aromatase cytochrome P450 plays an
important role in influencing thedevelopment of the central nervous
system. The dramatic impact of estrogen formationvia the aromatase
enzyme is responsible for structural differences between males
andfemales in specific brain regions. These structural differences
determine how thecentral nervous system will function along male
versus female patterns for hormonesecretion and the regulation of
sexual behavior. This study will determine how brainestrogen
biosynthesis is controlled by the aromatase gene. This will be
accomplishedby utilizing various molecular biological techniques.
The goal of these studies is todetermine the molecular basis of brain
aromatase regulation by determining theregulatory elements governing
how the aromatase gene is activated. To accomplishthis goal, Dr.
Lephart will characterize the regulatory sequences upstream of the
startsite of transcription for the aromatase gene and whether these
elements change duringdevelopment. The regulation of aromatase gene
expression by androgen will beinvestigated and the message in brain
encoding this critical enzyme will also bestudied. The outcome of
these studies will allow the development of a picture abouthow the
proteins in the brain control the expression of enzymes critical for
thedevelopment of essential centers in the brain.
- References:
- Category: MODELS
- Subcategory: BASIC RESEARCH
- Keywords for Experimental System/Species: RODENT, MAMMAL, IN VIVO, IN VITRO, LABORATORY STUDIES
- Keywords for Experimental Endpoints: NEUROLOGICAL, REPRODUCTIVE, HORMONE MEASURES, SEX STEROIDS,
PHYSIOLOGY,BREEDING BEHAVIOR, MOLECULAR, GENE EXPRESSION, GROWTH,
- Chemical Agents: Sex Steroids
- Performing Institution: Brigham Young University
- Contact: Edwin D Lephart, D 341 Asb, Provo, UT 84602-1043 801 378-8970
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