The Bernard lab investigates molecular mechanisms of pituitary hormone synthesis using in vitro and in vivo approaches. Current projects in the lab are focused on determining: 1) signal transduction mechanisms through which members of the transforming growth factor β superfamily, activin-class ligands and inhibins, regulate pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis, 2) mechanisms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signaling in pituitary gonadotrope cells, and 3) the role of the IGSF1 protein in the central control of the thyroid. We use a combination of biochemical, molecular, cellular, and whole animal physiological approaches to address our research questions.