Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and Kallmann syndrome (KS) are clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders caused by a deficiency of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Mutations in three genes--KAL1, GNRHR and FGFR1--account for 15-20% of all causes of IHH/KS. Nearly all mutations are point mutations identified by traditional PCR-based DNA sequencing. The relatively n...

Recent genetic analysis has suggested that the expression of the orphan receptor GPR54 is essential for the onset of puberty in both rodents and humans. Indirect evidence has suggested that this action is via gonadotropin-releasing hormone induction of luteinizing hormone release. The experiments described here were intended to provide direct evidence that metastin, the naturally occurring liga...

In order to find novel modulators of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, genetic tools were employed in patients with idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (IHH). Mutations in a G-protein coupled receptor, GPR54, were identified, making this receptor a genetic determinant and indisputable gatekeeper of normal reproductive function. This article places these investigations into...

The product of the KiSS-1 gene is absent or expressed at low level in metastatic melanoma and breast cancer compared with their nonmetastatic counterparts. A polypeptide derived from the KiSS-1 product, designated kisspeptin-10 (Kp-10), activates a receptor coupled to Galphaq subunits (GPR54 or KiSS-1R). To study the mechanism by which Kp-10 antagonizes metastatic spread, the effect on CXCR4-me...

Metastin, which is a 54-residue peptide coded by KiSS-1 gene, is an endogenous ligand to a G-protein-coupled receptor GPR54. Metastin suppresses a malignant tumor to metastasize and regulates secretion of gonadotropine releasing hormone. Physiological action of metastin has been focused on in oncology. It is reported that less KiSS-1 gene and more hOT7T175 gene which codes GPR54 are expressed i...

Kisspeptin is the peptide product of the KiSS-1 gene and the endogenous agonist for the GPR54 receptor. Recent evidence suggests the kisspeptin/GPR54 system is a key regulator of the reproductive system. We examined the effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) and peripheral administration of the active kisspeptin fragment, kisspeptin-10, on circulating gonadotrophins and total testosterone l...