Endocrine Abstracts

The LH receptor (LHR) is essential for mediating multiple functions in reproduction and pregnancy. LHR belongs to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that impacts nearly every aspect of human physiology and pathophysiology. Membrane trafficking is a critical mechanism for cells to decode complex signalling networks into specific downstream responses, including the signalling pathways activated by GPCRs. A detailed molecular description of GPCR trafficking is...

Prokineticin receptors (PKR1 and PKR2) are GPCRs that belong to neuropeptide Y receptor class. They exert their biological functions binding two structurally related peptides (Bv8 or PK2 and EG-VEGF orr PK1). Intensive research over the past few years has shown that PKs/PKRs signalling modulates neuronal survival and neurogenesis, hypothalamic hormone secretion, nociception, circadian rhythm and complex behaviours, such as feeding and drinking. It also promotes angiogenesis in...

Membrane trafficking of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) is a critical mechanism by which cells mediate complex signaling pathways. Endosomes are increasingly recognized as platforms for GPCR signaling. The VEE was first identified using the LHR, a GPCR that is key in reproduction. We have shown that recycling of the LHR is driven by receptor mediated Gαs cAMP signaling from the VEE and PKA-dependent phosphorylation of the adaptor protein, APPL1, while APPL1 negatively...

LH receptor (LHR) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays key roles in reproduction and pregnancy. Endocytic trafficking and sorting of GPCRs to diverse cellular fates represent a key mechanism in defining cellular responses by controlling both the temporal and spatial parameters of cellular signalling. How different processes within the endocytic system are coordinated, however, needs to be mechanistically dissected in more detail. We have recently demonstrated that...

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder, affecting 5–10% of women of reproductive age, and is the major cause of anovulatory infertility. Aberrant secretion and/or action of gonadotropins are implicated but, to date, we have only limited knowledge about the precise mechanisms involved. Recent genome wide association studies have discovered signals at loci close to the genes coding for gonadotropin receptors. The functional significanc...