Gonadotropins and their receptors: co-evolution, genetic variants, receptor imaging, and functional antagonists.

Gonadotropins and their receptors: co-evolution, genetic variants, receptor imaging, and functional antagonists. Biol Reprod. 2018 Feb 15;: Authors: Hsueh AJ, He J Abstract Gonadotropins belong to the family of dimeric glycoprotein hormones and regulate gonadal physiology mediated by G protein-coupled, seven-transmembrane receptors. These glycoprotein hormones are widely used in the clinic to promote ovarian follicle development and for treating some cases of male infertility. We traced the co-evolution of dimeric gonadotropin hormones and their receptors, together with thyrotropin and its receptor. We updated recent findings on human genetic variants of these genes and their association with dizygotic twining, polycystic ovarian syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency, male-limited precocious puberty and infertility. In addition to the known physiological roles of gonadotropin-receptor signaling in gonadal tissues, we also discussed emerging understanding of extra-gonadal functions of gonadotropins in bones and adipose tissues, together with recent advances in in vivo imaging of gonadotropin receptors in live animals. Recent development of gonadotropin receptor agonists and antagonists were summarized with an emphasis on the development of functional antagonists for FSH receptors to alleviate osteoporosis and obesity associated with menopause. PMID: 29462242 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Biology of Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Tags: Biol Reprod Source Type: research