ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the candidate genes PAX-8, NKX2-5, TSH-R and HES-1 in 63 confirmed cases of thyroid dysgenesis. Subjects and methods: Characterization of patients with congenital hypothyroidism into specific subtypes of thyroid dysgenesis with hormone levels (TT4 and TSH), thyroid ultrasound and scintigraphy. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and the genetic analysis was realized by investigating the presence of mutations in the transcription factor genes involved in thyroid development. Results: No mutations were detected in any of […]

One of the major actions of hormonal stimuli is the modulation of the expression of the genes. Since the rate of gene transcription is the major determinant of gene expression, the molecular mechanisms by which gene transcription are regulated have gained increasing interest and has become a major topic in Molecular Endocrinology. In this paper, the authors critically reviewed both the theoretical aspects and the applications of the techniques mostly used in the studies of gene transcription. The advantages and […]

The integrity of the GHRH-GH-IGF-I axis is important for normal growth. Mutations in genes involved in any of the steps result in short stature. Disorders of this axis can be divided in: 1) GH deficiency combined with deficiencies of other pituitary hormones due to alterations in transcription factors involved in pituitary organogenesis (HESX1/RPX, LHX3 e LHX4, PROP-1, PIT-1); 2. Isolated GH deficiency (GHRH receptor, GH-1, bioinactive GH); and 3. GH insensitivity (GH receptor, IGF-I gene and IGF-I receptor). Genes involved […]

It is estimated that close to 5% of the individuals classified as having type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and about 10% of those considered type 1 DM (previously categorized as juvenile type) are actual carriers of a MODY mutation. In this form of DM, there is evident co-segregation of some mutations and the advent of hyperglycemia, this fact having been reproduced by the study of several families of different populations. Its main characteristic is being one of the few causes […]