Advances in the Regulation of Mammalian Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Secretion

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.

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

Reproductive Medicine Review ◽

10.1017/s0962279900001150 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 163-177 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Manuela Simoni ◽

Eberhard Nieschlag

Keyword(s):

Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽

Clinical Use ◽

Β Subunit ◽

Glycoprotein Hormone ◽

Physiological Basis ◽

Α Subunit ◽

And Function ◽

Polypeptide Chains ◽

Stimulating Hormone

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.

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hCG production and activity during pregnancy

Fetal and Maternal Medicine Review ◽

10.1017/s096553950100033x ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 191-208 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

H S Randeva ◽

A Jackson ◽

E Karteris ◽

E W Hillhouse

Keyword(s):

Luteinizing Hormone ◽

Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽

Essential Role ◽

Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽

Β Subunit ◽

Glycoprotein Hormone ◽

Α Subunit ◽

Hormone Specificity ◽

Stimulating Hormone

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.

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

Reproductive Medicine Review ◽

10.1017/s0962279900000557 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 163-177 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Manuela Simoni ◽

Eberhard Nieschlag

Keyword(s):

Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽

Clinical Use ◽

Β Subunit ◽

Glycoprotein Hormone ◽

Physiological Basis ◽

Α Subunit ◽

And Function ◽

Polypeptide Chains ◽

Stimulating Hormone

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Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase, Jun N-Terminal Kinase, p38, and c-Src Are Involved in Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone-Stimulated Activity of the Glycoprotein Hormone Follicle-Stimulating Hormone β-Subunit Promoter

Endocrinology ◽

10.1210/en.2003-1418 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 145 (5) ◽

pp. 2228-2244 ◽

Cited By ~ 65

Author(s):

David Bonfil ◽

Dana Chuderland ◽

Sarah Kraus ◽

David Shahbazian ◽

Ilan Friedberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone ◽

Β Subunit ◽

Glycoprotein Hormone ◽

Releasing Hormone ◽

Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase ◽

Extracellular Signal ◽

Stimulating Hormone

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Actions and Roles of FSH in Germinative Cells

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms221810110 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (18) ◽

pp. 10110

Author(s):

Kaiana Recchia ◽

Amanda Soares Jorge ◽

Laís Vicari de Figueiredo Pessôa ◽

Ramon Cesar Botigelli ◽

Vanessa Cristiane Zugaib ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Germ Cell ◽

Germ Cells ◽

Primordial Germ Cells ◽

Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽

Adult Life ◽

Target Cells ◽

Β Subunit ◽

Glycoprotein Hormone ◽

Stimulating Hormone

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland in a coordinated hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis event, plays important roles in reproduction and germ cell development during different phases of reproductive development (fetal, neonatal, puberty, and adult life), and is consequently essential for fertility. FSH is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone of two dissociable subunits, α and β. The FSH β-subunit (FSHβ) function starts upon coupling to its specific receptor: follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). FSHRs are localized mainly on the surface of target cells on the testis and ovary (granulosa and Sertoli cells) and have recently been found in testicular stem cells and extra-gonadal tissue. Several reproduction disorders are associated with absent or low FSH secretion, with mutation of the FSH β-subunit or the FSH receptor, and/or its signaling pathways. However, the influence of FSH on germ cells is still poorly understood; some studies have suggested that this hormone also plays a determinant role in the self-renewal of germinative cells and acts to increase undifferentiated spermatogonia proliferation. In addition, in vitro, together with other factors, it assists the process of differentiation of primordial germ cells (PGCLCs) into gametes (oocyte-like and SSCLCs). In this review, we describe relevant research on the influence of FSH on spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis, mainly in the germ cell of humans and other species. The possible roles of FSH in germ cell generation in vitro are also presented.

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