Adrenocortical development and cancer: focus on SF-1

Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1/Ad4-binding protein; NR5A1) is an essential regulator of tissue-specific gene expression in steroidogenic cells and of adrenogonadal development. Here, I discuss recent data in the literature showing the implication of SF-1 and the importance of its dosage not only during development but also for adrenal cortex tumorigenesis in humans and mice. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology (2010) 44, 301-307