PIT1 upregulation by HMGA proteins has a role in pituitary tumorigenesis
We have previously demonstrated that HMGA1B and HMGA2 overexpression in mice induces the development of GH and prolactin (PRL) pituitary adenomas mainly by increasing E2F1 transcriptional activity. Interestingly, these adenomas showed very high expression levels of PIT1, a transcriptional factor that regulates the gene expression ofGh,Prl,GhrhrandPit1itself, playing a key role in pituitary gland development and physiology. Therefore, the aim of our study was to identify the role ofPit1overexpression in pituitary tumour development induced by HMGA1B and HMGA2. First, we demonstrated that HMGA1B and HMGA2 directly interact with both PIT1 and its gene promoterin vivo, and that these proteins positively regulatePit1promoter activity, also co-operating with PIT1 itself. Subsequently, we showed, by colony-forming assays on two different pituitary adenoma cell lines, GH3 and αT3, thatPit1overexpression increases pituitary cell proliferation. Finally, the expression analysis ofHMGA1,HMGA2andPIT1in human pituitary adenomas of different histological types revealed a direct correlation betweenPIT1and HMGA expression levels. Taken together, our data indicate a role ofPit1upregulation by HMGA proteins in pituitary tumours.