Notch–Hes signaling in pituitary development

Abstract

The pituitary gland is a critical endocrine organ that controls homeostasis, metabolism, reproduction and growth. Pituitary organogenesis involves the initial proliferation process of progenitor cells and the subsequent differentiation process into distinct cell types. Although various signaling molecules and transcription factors play roles in the pituitary development, the mechanisms that control progenitor cells remain to be elucidated. The mammalian Hes basic helix–loop–helix genes, known as Notch effectors, play essential roles in the development of various tissues and organs by maintaining progenitor cells in an undifferentiated state and by regulating binary cell fate decisions. Recently, it has been reported that Hes genes play crucial roles in pituitary development by regulating progenitor cells. This review describes essential roles of Hes genes in pituitary development.