Figure 2.

Schematic cascade of transcription factors and signaling molecule during pituitary development. Terminal differentiation of the anterior pituitary cell types is the result of complex interactions between extrinsic signalling molecules and transcription factors (HESX1, SOX2, SOX3, OTX2, LHX3, LXH4, GATA2, IS L1, PROP1, POU1F1). Possible pituitary phenotypes arising from mutations at different stages of pituitary development are indicated. SOD, septo-optic dysplasia; CNS, central nervous system; EPP, ectopic posterior pituitary; CPHD, combined pituitary hormone deficiency. Reproduced, with permission, from Kelberman D, Rizzoti K, Lovell-Badge R, Robinson IC, Dattani MT 2009 Genetic regulation of pituitary gland development in human and mouse, Endocrine Reviews 30 790–829. Copyright (2009) The Endocrine Society.