关键词: 垂体特异转录因子, 家禽, Pit-1基因

Abstract: Prolactin (PRL)，Growth Hormone (GH), and Thyroid-stimulating Hormone-β(TSHβ), secreting by chicken anterior pituitary, are essential hormones affecting chicken laying ability, growth rate, and immunity via regulating chicken broodiness, development, and immune response. Avian pituitary-specific transcription factor (POU1F1) is one of important transcription factors of GH, PRL, and TSHβgene. POU1F1 plays an important role in avian growth, development and reproduction via regulating the expression of these genes. The gene organization and the expression characters of poultry Pit-1 were discussed comparing with those of mammals, and the functions of POU1F1 were also elucidated in the review. Considering the biological importance of POU1F1 and the results got in our research, we suggested that Pit-1 be a candidate gene for growth, egg laying and broodiness research in poultry.