Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Gnrhr: A Checkpoint for Metabolic Control of Female Reproduction

The proper expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors (GnRHRs) by pituitary gonadotropes is critical for maintaining maximum reproductive capacity. GnRH receptor expression must be tightly regulated in order to maintain the normal pattern of expression through the estrous cycle in rodents, which is believed to be important for interpreting the finely tuned pulses of GnRH from the hypothalamus. Much work has shown that Gnrhr expression is heavily regulated at the level of transcription. However, researchers have also discovered that Gnrhr is regulated post-transcriptionally. This review will discuss how RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs may play critical roles in the regulation of GnRHR expression. We will also discuss how these post-transcriptional regulators may themselves be affected by metabolic cues, specifically with regards to the adipokine leptin. All together, we present evidence that Gnrhr is regulated post-transcriptionally, and that this concept must be further explored in order to fully understand the complex nature of this receptor.

Automated summary

Proper expression of GnRH receptors by pituitary gonadotropes is crucial for maintaining maximum reproductive capacity, as it must be tightly regulated to maintain normal expression patterns and interpret finely tuned GnRH pulses. Research has shown that Gnrhr expression is regulated both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally, with RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs playing important roles in regulation. These post-transcriptional regulators may also be influenced by metabolic cues, particularly by the adipokine leptin. Further exploration of post-transcriptional regulation is necessary to fully understand the complexity of GnRHR regulation.