Human puberty is a complex, coordinated biological process with multiple levels of regulations. The timing of puberty varies greatly in children and is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. The key genes of pubertal onset, KISS1, GPR54, GNRH1 and GNRHR, may be major causal factors underlying gonadotropin-releasing hormone-dependent precocious puberty (GDPP). Two gain-of-function...

Puberty is the end-point of a complex series of developmental events, defined by the dynamic interaction between genetic factors and environmental cues, ultimately leading to the attainment of reproductive capacity. Kisspeptins, products of the KISS1 gene, were originally identified as metastasis suppressor peptides with the ability to bind G protein-coupled receptors (GPR54). In 2003, loss-of-...

Genetic and environmental factors are implicated in the timing of puberty (1). Human studies have shown a relationship between body mass index or body fat, dietary and physical activity with the timing of puberty (2, 3, 4). More recently a G-protein coupled receptor, GPR54 and its ligand Kisspeptin have been identified as important signals in pubertal induction (5). The role of leptin in the pu...

Kisspeptin and the G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54) are highly abundant in the pancreas. In addition, circulating kisspeptin directly influences insulin secretion through GPR54. However, the mechanisms by which kisspeptin affects insulin release are unclear. The LIM-homeodomain transcription factor, Isl-1, is expressed in all pancreatic islet cells and is involved in regulating both islet ...

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...

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...