Endocrinol Metab.  2024 Oct;39(5):793-802. 10.3803/EnM.2024.1999.

Subunit-Specific Developmental Roles of PI3K in SF1-Expressing Cells

• Huynh MKQ
• Lyoo SH
• Yang DJ
• Choi YH
• Kim KW

• KMID: 2560287
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.1999

Abstract

Background
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) regulates cellular development and energy homeostasis. However, the roles of its subunits in organ development remain largely unknown.
Methods
We explored the roles of PI3K catalytic subunits in steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1)-expressing cells through knockout (KO) of the p110α and p110β subunits.
Results
We examined mice with a double KO of p110α and p110β in SF1-expressing cells (p110αβ KO^SF1). Although these animals exhibited no significant changes in the development of the ventromedial hypothalamus, we noted pronounced hypotrophy in the adrenal cortex, testis, and ovary. Additionally, corticosterone and aldosterone levels were significantly reduced. The absence of these subunits also resulted in decreased body weight and survival rate, along with impaired glucose homeostasis, in p110αβ KO^SF1 mice.
Conclusion
The data demonstrate the specific roles of PI3K catalytic subunits in the development and function of SF1-expressing organs.

Keyword

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; p110α; p110β; Steroidogenic factor 1; Development