The ultimate goals of Joseph Majzoub's work are to understand how various stresses affect health.
The specific aims of the Majzoub laboratory's studies are to analyze beneficial and detrimental effects, and the regulation of, the mammalian stress response, particularly within the brain. Current research focuses on the behavioral and neuroendocrine roles of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), the regulation of CRH gene transcription by silencing factors, and the role of Mrap2 to modulate energy balance during stress, both in the fetus and postnatally.
Research Background
Joseph Majzoub received his MD from Stanford University School of Medicine. He completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and a fellowship in Adult Endocrinology at Massachusetts General Hospital.
He is the recipient of several teaching awards, including the A. Clifford Barger Award for Excellence in Mentoring from Harvard Medical School and the 2002 Irving M. London Teaching Award from Harvard Medical School-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Health Sciences Technology (HST) Program.
Education
Undergraduate School
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor
MI
Medical School
Stanford University School of Medicine
1974
Stanford
CA
Internship
Internal Medicine
Brigham and Women's Hospital
1975
Boston
MA
Residency
Internal Medicine
Brigham and Women's Hospital
1976
Boston
MA
Fellowship
Adult Endocrinology
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston
MA
Publications
Absent, but not glucocorticoid-modulated, corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh) regulates anxiety-like behaviors in mice. bioRxiv. 2024 Oct 03. View Abstract
Severe Hypernatremia in an Adolescent With Anorexia Nervosa. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2021 12; 60(14):586-590. View Abstract
Ultrasonographic Tissue Perfusion in Peri-implant Health and Disease. J Dent Res. 2022 03; 101(3):278-285. View Abstract
A Resident-Led Virtual Journal Club to Educate Pediatric Residents About Coronavirus Disease 2019. Acad Pediatr. 2021 May-Jun; 21(4):759-761. View Abstract
The Changing Face of Adrenoleukodystrophy. Endocr Rev. 2020 08 01; 41(4). View Abstract
Correction: The Genomics Research and Innovation Network: creating an interoperable, federated, genomics learning system. Genet Med. 2020 Feb; 22(2):449. View Abstract
The Genomics Research and Innovation Network: creating an interoperable, federated, genomics learning system. Genet Med. 2020 02; 22(2):371-380. View Abstract
A novel missense mutation in TFAP2B associated with Char syndrome and central diabetes insipidus. Am J Med Genet A. 2019 07; 179(7):1299-1303. View Abstract
Hyperadrenocorticism of calorie restriction contributes to its anti-inflammatory action in mice. Aging Cell. 2019 06; 18(3):e12944. View Abstract
Abnormal Glycerol Metabolism in a Child with Global Developmental Delay, Adrenal Insufficiency, and Intellectual Disability. Clin Chem. 2018 12; 64(12):1785-1787. View Abstract
Behavioural dysfunctions of 10-year-old children born extremely preterm associated with corticotropin-releasing hormone expression in the placenta. Acta Paediatr. 2018 11; 107(11):1932-1936. View Abstract
A New Model for Adrenarche: Inhibition of 3ß-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 by Intra-Adrenal Cortisol. Horm Res Paediatr. 2018; 89(5):311-319. View Abstract
Racial differences in neonatal hypoglycemia among very early preterm births. J Perinatol. 2018 03; 38(3):258-263. View Abstract
Loss of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone markedly reduces anxiety behaviors in mice. Mol Psychiatry. 2017 05; 22(5):733-744. View Abstract
Maternal first trimester serum levels of free-beta human chorionic gonadotrophin and male genital anomalies. Hum Reprod. 2016 08; 31(8):1895-903. View Abstract
Brain disorders associated with corticotropin-releasing hormone expression in the placenta among children born before the 28th week of gestation. Acta Paediatr. 2016 Jan; 105(1):e7-11. View Abstract
Endocrinology research-reflecting on the past decade and looking to the next. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2015 Nov; 11(11):672-80. View Abstract
Regulation of human 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 by adrenal corticosteroids and product-feedback by androstenedione in human adrenarche. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2015 Jan; 352(1):67-76. View Abstract
An international effort towards developing standards for best practices in analysis, interpretation and reporting of clinical genome sequencing results in the CLARITY Challenge. Genome Biol. 2014 Mar 25; 15(3):R53. View Abstract
Adrenocortical zonation results from lineage conversion of differentiated zona glomerulosa cells. Dev Cell. 2013 Sep 30; 26(6):666-673. View Abstract
Loss of function of the melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein 2 is associated with mammalian obesity. Science. 2013 Jul 19; 341(6143):275-8. View Abstract
Epinephrine deficiency results in intact glucose counter-regulation, severe hepatic steatosis and possible defective autophagy in fasting mice. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2012 Jun; 44(6):905-13. View Abstract
Fetal-placental inflammation, but not adrenal activation, is associated with extreme preterm delivery. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Mar; 206(3):236.e1-8. View Abstract
Cortisol stimulates secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone in human adrenocortical cells through inhibition of 3betaHSD2. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Jan; 96(1):E31-9. View Abstract
Nocturnal Dexamethasone versus Hydrocortisone for the Treatment of Children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. Int J Pediatr Endocrinol. 2010; 2010. View Abstract
Effect of epinephrine deficiency on cold tolerance and on brown adipose tissue. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2010 Oct 26; 328(1-2):34-9. View Abstract
Monitoring of therapy in congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Clin Chem. 2010 Aug; 56(8):1245-51. View Abstract
Permanent Neonatal Diabetes in a Patient with a KCNJ11/Q52R Mutation Accompanied by Intermittent Hypoglycemia and Liver Failure. Int J Pediatr Endocrinol. 2009; 2009:453240. View Abstract
Mass spectrometry in the clinical laboratory: how have we done, and where do we need to be? Clin Chem. 2009 Jun; 55(6):1236-9. View Abstract
Maternal levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone during pregnancy in relation to adiponectin and leptin in early childhood. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009 Apr; 94(4):1409-15. View Abstract
Long-term effects of dietary glycemic index on adiposity, energy metabolism, and physical activity in mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Nov; 295(5):E1126-31. View Abstract
Genetic diagnosis of primary immune deficiencies. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2008 May; 28(2):387-412, x. View Abstract
Elevated midpregnancy corticotropin-releasing hormone is associated with prenatal, but not postpartum, maternal depression. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 May; 93(5):1946-51. View Abstract
Pomc knockout mice have secondary hyperaldosteronism despite an absence of adrenocorticotropin. Endocrinology. 2008 Feb; 149(2):681-6. View Abstract
Maternal corticotropin-releasing hormone levels during pregnancy and offspring adiposity. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2006 Sep; 14(9):1647-53. View Abstract
Measuring corticotropin-releasing hormone in pregnant women - comparing blood collection protocols for epidemiological studies. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2006 Jan; 20(1):67-71. View Abstract
Recombinant human growth hormone treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy in children. Pediatrics. 2004 Oct; 114(4):e452-8. View Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone deficiency increases allergen-induced airway inflammation in a mouse model of asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2004 Oct; 114(4):747-54. View Abstract
Perioperative management of diabetes insipidus in children. J Neurosurg Anesthesiol. 2004 Jul; 16(3):220-5. View Abstract
Catecholamine synthesizing enzymes and their modulation by immobilization stress in knockout mice. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Jun; 1018:458-65. View Abstract
Urocortin III, a brain neuropeptide of the corticotropin-releasing hormone family: modulation by stress and attenuation of some anxiety-like behaviours. J Neuroendocrinol. 2004 May; 16(5):411-22. View Abstract
Maternal activating mutation of the calcium-sensing receptor: implications for calcium metabolism in the neonate. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Apr; 17(4):673-7. View Abstract
Impaired leptin expression and abnormal response to fasting in corticotropin-releasing hormone-deficient mice. Endocrinology. 2004 Jul; 145(7):3174-81. View Abstract
Perioperative management of diabetes insipidus in children [corrected]. J Neurosurg Anesthesiol. 2004 Jan; 16(1):14-9. View Abstract
Dissecting adrenal and behavioral responses to stress by targeted gene inactivation in mice. Stress. 2003 Jun; 6(2):121-5. View Abstract
Neural substrates of anorexia nervosa: a behavioral challenge study with positron emission tomography. J Pediatr. 2001 Jul; 139(1):51-7. View Abstract
Maternal experiences of racism and violence as predictors of preterm birth: rationale and study design. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2001 Jul; 15 Suppl 2:124-35. View Abstract
The physiology of corticotropin-releasing hormone deficiency in mice. Peptides. 2001 May; 22(5):725-31. View Abstract
Repressor element silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencing factor (REST/NRSF) can act as an enhancer as well as a repressor of corticotropin-releasing hormone gene transcription. J Biol Chem. 2001 Apr 27; 276(17):13917-23. View Abstract
Exogenous growth hormone: a new therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy. Prog Pediatr Cardiol. 2000 Nov 04; 12(1):125-132. View Abstract
Asthma, steroids, and growth. N Engl J Med. 2000 Oct 12; 343(15):1113-4. View Abstract
Endocrinologic and psychological effects of short-term dexamethasone in anorexia nervosa. Eat Weight Disord. 2000 Sep; 5(3):175-82. View Abstract
Effects of various mutations in the neurophysin/glycopeptide portion of the vasopressin gene on vasopressin expression in vitro. Tohoku J Exp Med. 2000 Aug; 191(4):187-202. View Abstract
Circadian rise in maternal glucocorticoid prevents pulmonary dysplasia in fetal mice with adrenal insufficiency. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2000 Jun 20; 97(13):7336-41. View Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone links pituitary adrenocorticotropin gene expression and release during adrenal insufficiency. J Clin Invest. 2000 May; 105(9):1269-77. View Abstract
Impaired basal and restraint-induced epinephrine secretion in corticotropin-releasing hormone-deficient mice. Endocrinology. 2000 Mar; 141(3):1142-50. View Abstract
Neuroanatomy of human appetitive function: A positron emission tomography investigation. Int J Eat Disord. 2000 Mar; 27(2):163-71. View Abstract
Impaired Basal and Restraint-Induced Epinephrine Secretion in Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone- Deficient Mice. Endocrinology. 2000 Mar 01; 141(3):1142-1150. View Abstract
CRH deficiency impairs but does not block pituitary-adrenal responses to diverse stressors. Neuroendocrinology. 2000 Feb; 71(2):79-87. View Abstract
Urocortin expression in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus is up-regulated by stress and corticotropin-releasing hormone deficiency. Endocrinology. 2000 Jan; 141(1):256-63. View Abstract
Urocortin Expression in the Edinger-Westphal Nucleus Is Up-Regulated by Stress and Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Deficiency1. Endocrinology. 2000 Jan 01; 141(1):256-263. View Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulates angiogenesis and epithelial tumor growth in the skin. J Invest Dermatol. 1999 Nov; 113(5):838-42. View Abstract
Virilising 21-hydroxylase deficiency: timing of newborn screening and confirmatory tests can be crucial. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 1999 Nov-Dec; 12(6):895-901. View Abstract
CRH-deficient mice have a normal anorectic response to chronic stress. Regul Pept. 1999 Oct 22; 84(1-3):69-74. View Abstract
Stress-induced behaviors require the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) receptor, but not CRH. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1999 Jul 06; 96(14):8283-8. View Abstract
Pediatric reference intervals for serum thyroxine, triiodothyronine, thyrotropin, and free thyroxine. Clin Chem. 1999 Jul; 45(7):1087-91. View Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone deficiency unmasks the proinflammatory effect of epinephrine. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1999 Jun 08; 96(12):7093-7. View Abstract
Inducible binding of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-responsive element binding protein (CREB) to a cAMP-responsive promoter in vivo. Mol Endocrinol. 1999 May; 13(5):659-69. View Abstract
Animal models of CRH deficiency. Front Neuroendocrinol. 1999 Apr; 20(2):122-45. View Abstract
Normal suppression of the reproductive axis following stress in corticotropin-releasing hormone-deficient mice. Endocrinology. 1999 Apr; 140(4):1702-8. View Abstract
High glycemic index foods, overeating, and obesity. Pediatrics. 1999 Mar; 103(3):E26. View Abstract
Regulation of hepatic glycogen in the insulin-like growth factor II-deficient mouse. Endocrinology. 1999 Mar; 140(3):1442-8. View Abstract
Proliferation and differentiation defects during lung development in corticotropin-releasing hormone-deficient mice. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 1999 Feb; 20(2):181-8. View Abstract
A central theory of preterm and term labor: putative role for corticotropin-releasing hormone. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1999 Jan; 180(1 Pt 3):S232-41. View Abstract
Placental corticotropin-releasing hormone: function and regulation. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1999 Jan; 180(1 Pt 3):S242-6. View Abstract
Two novel mutations of the vasopressin gene associated with familial diabetes insipidus and identification of an asymptomatic carrier infant. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1998 Nov; 83(11):3958-64. View Abstract
Glucocorticoid deficiency delays stratum corneum maturation in the fetal mouse. J Invest Dermatol. 1998 Sep; 111(3):440-4. View Abstract
Vasopressin messenger ribonucleic acid regulation via the protein kinase A pathway. Endocrinology. 1998 Jun; 139(6):2831-7. View Abstract
Four cases of mucosal neuroma syndrome: multiple endocrine neoplasm 2B or not 2B? J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1998 Jan; 83(1):17-20. View Abstract
Gene transfer into hepatocytes mediated by helper virus-free HSV/AAV hybrid vectors. Mol Med. 1997 Dec; 3(12):813-25. View Abstract
Positive and negative regulation of the rat vasopressin gene promoter. Endocrinology. 1997 Dec; 138(12):5266-74. View Abstract
Sodium balance modulates thirst in normal man. Endocr Res. 1997 Nov; 23(4):377-92. View Abstract
Impaired diurnal adrenal rhythmicity restored by constant infusion of corticotropin-releasing hormone in corticotropin-releasing hormone-deficient mice. J Clin Invest. 1997 Jun 15; 99(12):2923-9. View Abstract
Protein malnutrition increases plasma adrenocorticotropin and anterior pituitary proopiomelanocortin messenger ribonucleic acid in the rat. Endocrinology. 1997 Mar; 138(3):1048-57. View Abstract
CRH and the immune system. J Neuroimmunol. 1997 Feb; 72(2):131-6. View Abstract
Chronic central nervous system exposure to interleukin-1 beta causes catabolism in the rat. Am J Physiol. 1996 Nov; 271(5 Pt 2):R1142-8. View Abstract
Cortisol blockade of progesterone: a possible molecular mechanism involved in the initiation of human labor. Nat Med. 1996 May; 2(5):556-60. View Abstract
Transcription of the human corticotropin-releasing hormone gene in NPLC cells is correlated with Z-DNA formation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1996 Apr 16; 93(8):3664-8. View Abstract
Production of corticotropin-releasing hormone-deficient mice by targeted mutation in embryonic stem cells. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1996 Mar 22; 780:49-59. View Abstract
Molecular and transgenic studies of the corticotropin-releasing hormone gene. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1995 Dec 29; 771:293-300. View Abstract
Regulation of placental corticotropin-releasing hormone by steroids. Possible implications in labor initiation. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1995 Dec 29; 771:551-5. View Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone deficiency reveals major fetal but not adult glucocorticoid need. Nature. 1995 Feb 02; 373(6513):427-32. View Abstract
Expression of the mouse corticotropin-releasing hormone gene in vivo and targeted inactivation in embryonic stem cells. J Clin Invest. 1994 May; 93(5):2066-72. View Abstract
Regulation of the ectopically expressed human glycoprotein alpha-subunit gene in the human hepatoma cell line NPLC. Endocrinology. 1994 Feb; 134(2):582-7. View Abstract
Corticotrophin releasing hormone levels in human plasma and amniotic fluid during gestation. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1994 Feb; 40(2):257-62. View Abstract
Effects of hydroxyurea and cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A inhibitors on the expression of the human chorionic gonadotropin alpha subunit and c-myc genes in choriocarcinoma. J Endocrinol Invest. 1993 Dec; 16(11):849-56. View Abstract
Contribution of vasopressin to blood pressure regulation during hypovolemic hypotension in humans. J Appl Physiol (1985). 1993 Nov; 75(5):1984-8. View Abstract
Tissue-specific expression and osmotic regulation of a rat vasopressin gene in transgenic mice. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1993 Jul 22; 689:530-3. View Abstract
Expression of the rat arginine vasopressin gene in transgenic mice. Mol Endocrinol. 1993 May; 7(5):659-67. View Abstract
Differential regulation of choriocarcinoma gene expression by DNA synthesis inhibitors. Endocr J. 1993 Apr; 40(2):263-8. View Abstract
Second messenger regulation of mRNA for corticotropin-releasing factor. Ciba Found Symp. 1993; 172:30-43; discussion 43-58. View Abstract
Regulated expression of vasopressin gene by cAMP and phorbol ester in primary rat fetal hypothalamic cultures. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 1992 Jul; 86(1-2):29-36. View Abstract
Effects of glucocorticoid on corticotropin-releasing hormone gene regulation by second messenger pathways in NPLC and AtT-20 cells. Endocrinology. 1992 Apr; 130(4):2237-44. View Abstract
Protein kinase-C activation increases the quantity and poly(A) tail length of corticotropin-releasing hormone messenger RNA in NPLC cells. Mol Endocrinol. 1992 Mar; 6(3):476-84. View Abstract
The effect of insulin-induced hypoglycemia on gene expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of the rat. Endocrinology. 1992 Feb; 130(2):920-5. View Abstract
Regulation of gene expression in choriocarcinoma by methotrexate and hydroxyurea. Endocrinology. 1991 Feb; 128(2):972-8. View Abstract
Both cyclooxygenase-dependent and cyclooxygenase-independent pathways mediate the neuroendocrine response in humans. Surgery. 1990 Aug; 108(2):254-9; discussion 259-61. View Abstract
Second messengers involved in the regulation of corticotropin-releasing hormone mRNA and peptide in cultured rat fetal hypothalamic primary cultures. Endocrinology. 1990 Jun; 126(6):3016-21. View Abstract
Regulated expression of the human corticotropin releasing hormone gene by cyclic AMP. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 1990 Apr 17; 70(2):165-74. View Abstract
Differential regulation of corticotropin-releasing hormone mRNA in rat brain. Am J Physiol. 1990 Apr; 258(4 Pt 1):E686-92. View Abstract
The testicular effects of tumor necrosis factor. Ann Surg. 1990 Apr; 211(4):470-5. View Abstract
Developmental expression of corticotropin releasing hormone messenger RNA and peptide in rat hypothalamus. Peptides. 1989 Nov-Dec; 10(6):1165-9. View Abstract
Vasopressin-mediated forearm vasodilation in normal humans. Evidence for a vascular vasopressin V2 receptor. J Clin Invest. 1989 Aug; 84(2):418-26. View Abstract
Increases in plasma digitalis-like factor activity during insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Neuroendocrinology. 1989 Jun; 49(6):586-91. View Abstract
Preprocorticotropin releasing hormone: cDNA sequence and in vitro processing. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 1989 Feb; 61(2):175-80. View Abstract
Vasopressin mRNA in the suprachiasmatic nuclei: daily regulation of polyadenylate tail length. Science. 1988 Jul 15; 241(4863):342-4. View Abstract
Characterization and gestational regulation of corticotropin-releasing hormone messenger RNA in human placenta. J Clin Invest. 1988 Jul; 82(1):287-92. View Abstract
Glucocorticoid stimulates expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone gene in human placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1988 Jul; 85(14):5244-8. View Abstract
The vasopressin mRNA poly(A) tract is unusually long and increases during stimulation of vasopressin gene expression in vivo. Mol Cell Biol. 1988 Jun; 8(6):2267-74. View Abstract
A chemically synthesized radiolabeled signal peptide: design, preparation, and biological evaluation of an iodinated analog of preproparathyroid hormone. Mol Endocrinol. 1988 May; 2(5):452-8. View Abstract
Expression and dexamethasone regulation of the human corticotropin-releasing hormone gene in a mouse anterior pituitary cell line. J Biol Chem. 1988 Apr 25; 263(12):5846-52. View Abstract
Human corticotropin releasing hormone gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 8. Cytogenet Cell Genet. 1988; 47(3):113-6. View Abstract
Relationship of cardiac chamber volume to baroreflex activity in normal humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1987 Sep; 65(3):475-81. View Abstract
Influence of infused hypertonic saline on the response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia in man. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1987 Jul; 65(1):116-21. View Abstract
Defective regulation of vasopressin gene expression in Brattleboro rats. Am J Physiol. 1987 May; 252(5 Pt 1):E637-42. View Abstract
Vasopressin gene is expressed at low levels in the hypothalamus of the Brattleboro rat. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1984 Sep; 81(17):5296-9. View Abstract
Vasopressin and oxytocin mRNA regulation in the rat assessed by hybridization with synthetic oligonucleotides. J Biol Chem. 1983 Dec 10; 258(23):14061-4. View Abstract
Cellular and cell-free processing of parathyroid secretory proteins. J Biol Chem. 1982 Apr 10; 257(7):3581-8. View Abstract
Synthetic pre-proparathyroid hormone leader sequence inhibits cell-free processing of placental, parathyroid, and pituitary prehormones. J Biol Chem. 1980 Dec 10; 255(23):11478-83. View Abstract
Cloning and nucleotide sequence of DNA coding for bovine preproparathyroid hormone. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1979 Oct; 76(10):4981-5. View Abstract
Identification and cell-free translation of mRNA coding for a precursor of parathyroid secretory protein. J Biol Chem. 1979 Aug 10; 254(15):7449-55. View Abstract