The nature of FSH induction by GnRH.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a major regulator of mammalian gonadal function, is induced by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), but it is unclear how much induction is direct or indirect and what relevance each has in vivo. Two advances now make it possible to address these issues, which are central to understanding FSH regulation. The first is the use of transformed L beta T2 gonadotropes to define key promoter sequences of FSHB (the gene encoding the FSH-beta subunit) that are needed for induction by GnRH and/or other factors; and the second is the ability to express FSHB promoter-reporter constructs in transgenic mouse gonadotropes to test the physiological relevance of promoter elements identified by using L beta T2 cells. Here, we summarize past studies on GnRH induction of FSH, and propose questions and approaches for the future.
Miller
William L
WL
Department Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, Box 7622, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27695-7622, USA. wlmiller@bchserver.bch.ncsu.edu
Shafiee-Kermani
Farideh
F
Strahl
Brian D
BD
Huang
Huey-Jing
HJ
D000818:Animals; D004742:Enhancer Elements, Genetic; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D037201:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology
D037201:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone