SuperMEN1 Pituitary, Parathyroid and Pancreas

The vast expansion in research on tumorigenesis has greatly increased our understanding of tumor development in patients with inherited endocrine tumor syndromes. This book provides an up-to-date summaryfrom clinical basics and latest follow-up guidelines to the most recent molecular findings in multiple endocrine neoplasia Type I syndrome. Articles have been assembled by acknowledged experts in their respective fields to provide current perspectives on the clinical and genetic backgroundsofthis syndrome and to review carefully the latest discoveries concerning the possible functions and interactions ofmenin, the protein encoded by the MEN1gene,including itspossible role incell cycle regulation,hematopoiesis,and bone development. The goal ofthe book is also to present the most recent findings and the broadest aspects of the role of menin in tumorigenesis of the endocrine glands involved in MEN I syndrome (pituitary, parathyroid, endocrine pancreas and adrenal). The connection between the basic experimental and clinical points of view are highlighted through a discussion on animal models, which explores the field in both an inspiring and questioning manner with a focus on areas that remain to be clarified. Our goal was to bring together clinicians and basic researchers who represent a wide range of interests in this particular field of endocrine oncology. Presentingacomprehensive and current overviewofbasic experimental and clinical findings, this book can bring us closer to understanding endocrine tumorigenesis in multiple endocrine neoplasia Type I. Katalin Balogh, MD, PhD Attita Patocs, MD, MSc, PhD v ABOUT THEEDITORS. . .

MEN1 Clinical Background.- Genetic Background of MEN1: From Genetic Homogeneity to Functional Diversity.- Menin: The Protein Behind the MEN1 Syndrome.- Cellular Functions of Menin.- The Role of Menin in Hematopoiesis.- Role of Menin in Bone Development.- Activin, TGF-? and Menin in Pituitary Tumorigenesis.- The Role of Menin in Parathyroid Tumorigenesis.- Role of Menin in Neuroendocrine Tumorigenesis.- Adrenal Tumors in MEN1 Syndrome and the Role of Menin in Adrenal Tumorigenesis.- Functional Studies of Menin through Genetic Manipulation of the Men1 Homolog in Mice.

Katalin Balogh, MD, PhD: I graduated from Semmelweis University, Budapest as a Medical Doctor in 2001 and defended my PhD thesis on the clinical and genetic aspects of multiple endocrine neoplasia Type 1 in 2007. Working as a student at the Department of Physiology, then as a physician at the 2nd Department of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, I always had the inspiration to build bridges between patients, clinicians and researchers. Being a part of connecting different fields of medicine has always been and still remains a challenge for me. My main research interest is endocrine oncology. I am a member of the Endocrine Society and an international scholarship has afforded me the opportunity to work as a research fellow in Toronto. I hope to continue to build connections between people, continents and nations.

Attila Patocs MD, MSc, PhD: I completed my medical and PhD training at Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary in 1998 and2005, respectively. My interest has always focused on experimental laboratory work; therefore I attended and completed a biomedical engineering training at the Budapest Technical University in 2000. Between 2005-2007 I participated in a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in Dr. Charis Eng’s laboratory at the Comprehensive Cancer Center of the Ohio State University and at the Genomic Medicine Institute of the Cleveland Clinic. Back in my home country from 2008 I am head of the Central Isotope Diagnostic Laboratory at the Semmelweis University and as a research associate I am working with the Molecular Medicine Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. My research focuses on genetic and genomic characterization of endocrine tumors, on understanding of glucocorticoid signaling and on development of new, routine and molecular biological laboratory methods for diagnosis of endocrine disorders.