J.
Larry Jameson, MD, PhD
Irving S. Cutter Professor of Medicine
Chairman, Department of Medicine
To Contact Dr. Jameson:
phone:312-926-9436
e-mail: ljameson@northwestern.edu
Dr. Jameson's website
PubMed
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Research Interests
Dr. Jameson's research focuses on molecular endocrinology. His laboratory
investigates fundamental mechanisms that control the transcription of endocrine
genes. Concerted efforts are made to bridge laboratory studies with clinical
endocrinology using recombinant DNA methods to investigate the pathophysiology
of endocrine disorders.
The major focus of Dr.
Jameson’s laboratory concerns the transcriptional control of endocrine
gene expression. Most of their projects are focused on hormonal regulation
of the glycoprotein hormones. This family of hormones includes: Thyroid-stimulating
Hormone (TSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), and Chorionic Gonadotropin (CG).
Despite their structural similarities, the glycoprotein hormones have evolved
distinct physiological functions and provide an opportunity to understand
how closely related genes have evolved unique regulatory features. Because
the glycoprotein hormone a-gene is expressed in conjunction with each of the
different glycoprotein hormone ß-subunits, it is subject to a myriad
of hormonal inputs.
For example, in gonadotrophs (LH,FSH), it is regulated by positively by hypothalamic
gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is secreted in a pulsatile manner.
In thyrotrophs (TSH), the a-gene is stimulated by hypothalamic thyrotropin-releasing
hormone (TRH) and it is repressed by the product of the target gland (thyroid
hormone) in a classic example of negative feedback regulation.
Dr. Jameson’s current interests are primarily focused on transcription
factors such as SF-1 and DAX-1 that are required for the development of a
normal gonadotrope phenotype. A combination of gene knockouts, studies of
developmental expression, and promoter mutagenesis studies are being used
to define the functional role of these factors. Whenever possible, his lab
attempts to use these "experiments of nature" to gain insight into
the cellular mechanisms of disease.