The initiation and maintenance of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuron identity in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Apr 27:14:1166132. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1166132. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Neurons that secrete gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) drive vertebrate reproduction. Genetic lesions that disrupt these neurons in humans lead to congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and reproductive failure. Studies on CHH have largely focused on the disruption of prenatal GnRH neuronal migration and postnatal GnRH secretory activity. However, recent evidence suggests a need to also focus on how GnRH neurons initiate and maintain their identity during prenatal and postnatal periods. This review will provide a brief overview of what is known about these processes and several gaps in our knowledge, with an emphasis on how disruption of GnRH neuronal identity can lead to CHH phenotypes.

Keywords: congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism; environmental factors; epigenetic factors; gonadotropin-releasing hormone; neurogenesis; neuronal de-differentiation.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cell Movement
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism* / congenital
  • Hypogonadism* / genetics
  • Neurons
  • Phenotype

Substances

  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone