Regulation of P450scc Expression: AMPK and Cortisol Release

Authors

Kimberly Dalton, Brigham Young University
Dr. Allan Judd, Brigham Young University

Keywords

P450scc, AMPK, cortisol release, physiological stress response, ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone

College

Life Sciences

Department

Physiology and Developmental Biology

Abstract

The amount of cortisol within the human body must remain at just the right level to adequately mediate the physiological stress response. With elevated cortisol levels, the immune system is suppressed, and the organism becomes vulnerable to infection. With reduced cortisol levels, the immune system is hyperactive, and the organism becomes vulnerable to autoimmune disorders. Too much or too little cortisol is lethal: clearly, cortisol levels have a great effect on human pathophysiology. The project I did provided one step in the mission to characterize the mechanism behind cortisol release. Once this is done, we will have a more thorough understanding of stress-related pathological disorders, so the door will be open to discover effective treatments for these disorders.

Recommended Citation

Dalton, Kimberly and Judd, Dr. Allan (2014) "Regulation of P450scc Expression: AMPK and Cortisol Release," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 882.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/882