Analysis of BMP signalling in adrenal development, function and disease. (360G-Wellcome-088394_Z_09_Z)

£135,337

The mechanisms controlling adrenal development, cell growth and differentiation are at present unknown. Two potential candidates for regulators of this process are Bone Morphogenetic Protein 3B (BMP3B) and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh). They are expressed in the subcapsular region of the adrenal gland where progenitor stem cells are thought to reside. This project will further investigate the expression of BMP3B and other BMPs during adrenal development in foetal and adult rat. We will compare their s ites of expression with respect to adrenal cell proliferation and zonation, using in situ hybridisation, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence on adrenal sections. The adrenal is a dynamic organ and adrenal remodelling experiments will be performed in the presence of exogenous BMPs. We will experiment on normal and remodelled rats and BMP3B null mice to observe the effect on zonation, cell proliferation, and steroid output. Together these experiments will give a comprehensive picture of BMP signalling in the adrenal cortex and its contribution to cell proliferation, differentiation and steroidogenesis. Human adrenal adenomas will be collected and the expression of both BMP and Shh pathway components will be analysed and compared to normal tissue. This will test the hypothesis that these signalling pathways influence the development of adrenal cancer.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 135337
Applicant Surname Sze
Approval Committee Clinical Interview Committee
Award Date 2009-07-09T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2008/09
Grant Programme: Title Research Training Fellowship
Internal ID 088394/Z/09/Z
Lead Applicant Dr Wing-Chiu Sze
Partnership Value 135337
Planned Dates: End Date 2011-08-31T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2009-09-01T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region Greater London
Sponsor(s) Prof Adrian Clark