PITX genes are required for cell survival and Lhx3 activation.
The PITX family of transcription factors regulate the development of many organs. Pitx1 mutants have a mild pituitary phenotype, but Pitx2 is necessary for the development of Rathke's pouch, expression of essential transcription factors in gonadotropes, and expansion of the Pit1 lineage. We report that lack of Pitx2 causes the pouch to undergo excessive cell death, resulting in severe pituitary hy
