Gonadotrophin Receptors
摘要
The two gonadotrophin receptors (GnRs), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCGR) and follicle-stimulating receptor (FSHR), belong to the glycoprotein hormone receptor subgroup of type A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). LHCGR binds specifically to the two structurally similar gonadotrophins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and FSHR binds to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The receptors reside on plasma membrane and transmit the gonadotrophin signal to target cells using the classical Gs/adenylyl cyclase/cyclic AMP/protein kinase A signaling cascade. Other signaling pathways (e.g., inositol phosphate, calcium) are activated at pharmacological hormone concentrations or at high receptor density. LHCGR is expressed in testicular Leydig cells and in ovarian theca, luteinizing granulosa, and luteal cells. FSHR is expressed in testicular Sertoli cells and ovarian granulosa cells. LHCGR activation stimulates Leydig cell steroidogenesis, in particular testosterone production, while FSHR maintains Sertoli cell metabolism, thereby indirectly stimulating spermatogenesis. Recent basic research, using GnR, expressing cells in vitro and genetically modified mice in vivo, has elucidated novel aspects of the molecular mechanisms of gonadotrophin receptor function. The crystal structures of GnRs have also been partly resolved. Numerous inactivating and activating GnR mutations that have been discovered in patients have unraveled the molecular basis of hypogonadism and other aberrations of reproductive endocrine functions. The purpose of this chapter is to review the recent trends of GnR research and how it has elucidated the molecular mechanisms of GnR function and the role of GnR in human reproductive physiology and pathophysiology.