FSH in therapy: physiological basis, new preparations and clinical use

1995 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Simoni ◽  
Eberhard Nieschlag

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that, together with luteinizing hormone (LH), controls development, maturation and function of the gonad. Like the related hormones, LH, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), FSH consists of two polypeptide chains, α and β, bearing carbohydrate moietiesN-linked to asparagine (Asn) residues. The α subunit is common to all members of the glycoprotein hormone family, whereas the β subunit, although structurally very similar, differs in each hormone and confers specificity of action.

1995 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Simoni ◽  
Eberhard Nieschlag

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that, together with luteinizing hormone (LH), controls development, maturation and function of the gonad. Like the related hormones, LH, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), FSH consists of two polypeptide chains, α and β, bearing carbohydrate moietiesN-linked to asparagine (Asn) residues. The α subunit is common to all members of the glycoprotein hormone family, whereas the β subunit, although structurally very similar, differs in each hormone and confers specificity of action.


2001 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
H S Randeva ◽  
A Jackson ◽  
E Karteris ◽  
E W Hillhouse

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has an essential role in early pregnancy. It is a member of the glycoprotein hormone family also comprising the pituitary derived follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Each hormone consists of a non-covalently bound α and β subunit. Within a species the α subunit is identical and hormone specificity is determined by the unique β subunit.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1134
Author(s):  
Hao-Qi Wang ◽  
Wei-Di Zhang ◽  
Bao Yuan ◽  
Jia-Bao Zhang

Mammalian reproduction is mainly driven and regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is synthesized and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, is a key regulator that ultimately affects animal fertility. As a dimeric glycoprotein hormone, the biological specificity of FSH is mainly determined by the β subunit. As research techniques are being continuously innovated, studies are exploring the underlying molecular mechanism regulating the secretion of mammalian FSH. This article will review the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways systematically regulating FSH synthesis and will present the latest hypothesis about the nuclear cross-talk among the various endocrine-induced pathways for transcriptional regulation of the FSH β subunit. This article will provide novel ideas and potential targets for the improved use of FSH in livestock breeding and therapeutic development.


2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. R131-R155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nandana Das ◽  
T Rajendra Kumar

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plays fundamental roles in male and female fertility. FSH is a heterodimeric glycoprotein expressed by gonadotrophs in the anterior pituitary. The hormone-specific FSHβ-subunit is non-covalently associated with the common α-subunit that is also present in the luteinizing hormone (LH), another gonadotrophic hormone secreted by gonadotrophs and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secreted by thyrotrophs. Several decades of research led to the purification, structural characterization and physiological regulation of FSH in a variety of species including humans. With the advent of molecular tools, availability of immortalized gonadotroph cell lines and genetically modified mouse models, our knowledge on molecular mechanisms of FSH regulation has tremendously expanded. Several key players that regulate FSH synthesis, sorting, secretion and action in gonads and extragonadal tissues have been identified in a physiological setting. Novel post-transcriptional and post-translational regulatory mechanisms have also been identified that provide additional layers of regulation mediating FSH homeostasis. Recombinant human FSH analogs hold promise for a variety of clinical applications, whereas blocking antibodies against FSH may prove efficacious for preventing age-dependent bone loss and adiposity. It is anticipated that several exciting new discoveries uncovering all aspects of FSH biology will soon be forthcoming.


Endocrinology ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 148 (7) ◽  
pp. 3468-3476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kee K. Kim ◽  
Seok B. Song ◽  
Kwang I. Kang ◽  
Myungchull Rhee ◽  
Kyoon Eon Kim

Although there is evidence that the LIM homeodomain transcription factor, Lhx2, can stimulate transcription of the glycoprotein hormone α-subunit gene, the role of Lhx2 in regulating TSH β-subunit has not been established. In the present studies, the ability of Lhx2 to regulate transcription of the TSH β-subunit gene was examined. In the thyrotrope-derived TαT1 cell line, Lhx2 expression was found to be induced by treatment with either TRH or cAMP, consistent with the possibility that Lhx2 may play a role in mediating the ability of this signaling pathway to stimulate TSH gene expression. Transient, forced overexpression of Lhx2 stimulated activity of a TSH β-subunit reporter gene. Deletion studies provided evidence that the −177 to −79 region of the TSH β-subunit promoter was necessary for stimulation of reporter gene activity by Lhx2. A gel mobility shift assay provided the evidence that Lhx2 can bind to this region of DNA. DNase I footprinting studies demonstrated that two distinct regions of the TSHβ promoter, −118 to −108 and −86 to −68, are protected by Lhx2 from nuclease digestion. These regions contain repeats of the sequence, 5′-(G/T)CAAT(T/A)-3′. Mutation of this sequence, especially in the −86 to −68 region, substantially decreased Lhx2 responsiveness of the TSH β-subunit reporter gene. In addition, a DNA fragment containing the −177 to −79 region of the TSHβ promoter was found to confer Lhx2 responsiveness to a minimal promoter. These results provide multiple lines of evidence consistent with a role for Lhx2 in modulating expression of the TSH β-subunit gene.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document