Endocrine Abstracts

Key genetic contributors are recognised to underlie the phenotype of central precocious puberty (CPP), including the imprinted genes Makorin ring finger protein 3 (MKRN3) and Delta-like homolog 1 (DLK1), alongside Kisspeptin-1 (KISS1) and (KISSR1). These genes have implicated mis-regulation of transcriptional control of the kisspeptin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuroendocrine systems in onset of CPP. However, many familial cases of CPP remain without clear a gen...

During development, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are born in the nasal placode and migrate to the hypothalamus, where they position to regulate sexual reproduction by the pulsatile release of GnRH. Defective GnRH neuron development or action may lead to GnRH deficiency (GD) which is characterized by absent or delayed puberty (1). GD can also be present as a trait shared by several complex neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as cerebellar ataxia, developm...

Whilst several key genetic contributors to the phenotype of central precocious puberty (CPP) have been recognized, many familial cases remain without a clear genetic aetiology. Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) is a chromatin-associated transcriptional regulator, which plays an essential role in neuronal maturation. It is encoded by the MECP2 gene, located at chromosome Xq28, which is highly expressed in brain tissues. Loss-of-function mutations in MECP2 are usually associa...