Abstract
Kisspeptins, which are products of the Kiss1 gene, and their receptor, GPR54, have emerged as key players in the regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. Mutations or targeted deletions of GPR54 produce isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in humans and mice, indicating that signaling through this receptor is a prerequisite for sexual maturation. Centrally administered kisspeptins stimulate GnRH and gonadotropin secretion in prepubertal and adult animals. Kisspeptin-expressing neurons are direct targets for the negative and positive feedback actions of sex steroids, which differentially regulate the expression of KiSS-1 mRNA in various regions of the forebrain. This review highlights what is currently known about kisspeptin-GPR54 signaling in the regulation of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Gene Expression Regulation
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Gonadal Steroid Hormones / metabolism
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Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism
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Humans
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Kisspeptins
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Models, Biological
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Neurons / metabolism
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Neurosecretory Systems / physiology*
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Puberty / physiology
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / physiology*
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Receptors, Kisspeptin-1
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Reproduction / physiology*
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Signal Transduction / physiology*
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Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism
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Tumor Suppressor Proteins / physiology*
Substances
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Gonadal Steroid Hormones
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KISS1 protein, human
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KISS1R protein, human
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Kisspeptins
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RNA, Messenger
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
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Receptors, Kisspeptin-1
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Tumor Suppressor Proteins
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Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone