Kisspeptin and GPR54: discovery of a novel pathway in reproduction

J Neuroendocrinol. 2008 Jun;20(6):727-31. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2008.01731.x.

Abstract

In order to find novel modulators of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, genetic tools were employed in patients with idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (IHH). Mutations in a G-protein coupled receptor, GPR54, were identified, making this receptor a genetic determinant and indisputable gatekeeper of normal reproductive function. This article places these investigations into historical context and reviews some of the new findings relevant to this pathway.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gene Deletion
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism / genetics
  • Hypogonadism / metabolism
  • Kisspeptins
  • Puberty / physiology
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Kisspeptin-1
  • Reproduction / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • KISS1 protein, human
  • KISS1R protein, human
  • Kisspeptins
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Receptors, Kisspeptin-1
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins