Abstract
Normal anterior pituitary function is essential for fertility. Release from the gland of the reproductive hormones luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone is regulated primarily by hypothalamically-derived gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), although other releasing factors (RF) have been postulated to exist. Using a bioinformatic approach, we have identified a novel peptide, phoenixin, that regulates pituitary gonadotrophin secretion by modulating the expression of the GnRH receptor, an action with physiologically relevant consequences. Compromise of phoenixin in vivo using small interfering RNA resulted in the delayed appearance of oestrus and a reduction in GnRH receptor expression in the pituitary. Phoenixin may represent a new class of hypothalamically-derived pituitary priming factors that sensitise the pituitary to the action of other RFs, rather than directly stimulating the fusion of secretary vesicles to pituitary membranes. © 2012 British Society for Neuroendocrinology.
Recommended Citation
G. L. Yosten et al., "A Novel Reproductive Peptide, Phoenixin," Journal of Neuroendocrinology, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 206 - 215, Wiley, Jan 2013.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2826.2012.02381.x
Department(s)
Biological Sciences
Publication Status
Full Access
Keywords and Phrases
Bioinformatics; GnRH receptor; Gonadotrophins; Pituitary; Reproduction; SiRNA
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1365-2826; 0953-8194
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2025 Wiley, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2013
PubMed ID
22963497
Comments
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Grant R01HL066023