PUBLICATION

Evolutionary aspects of GnRHs, GnRH neuronal systems and GnRH receptors in teleost fish

Authors
Lethimonier, C., Madigou, T., Munoz-Cueto, J.A., Lareyre, J.J., and Kah, O.
ID
ZDB-PUB-060825-22
Date
2004
Source
General and comparative endocrinology   135(1): 1-16 (Review)
Registered Authors
Kah, Olivier
Keywords
GnRH, GnRH receptors, Genome analysis, Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Reproduction, Teleost
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Fishes
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/classification
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/physiology*
  • Humans
  • Neurons/physiology*
  • Phylogeny
  • Receptors, LHRH/physiology*
PubMed
14644639 Full text @ Gen. Comp. Endocrinol.
Abstract
Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) was originally believed to be released by a unique set of hypophysiotrophic neurons to stimulate the release of gonadotrophins from the pituitary, therefore acting as a major initiator of the hormonal cascade controlling the reproductive axis. However, it now appears that each vertebrate species expresses two or three GnRH forms in multiple tissues and that GnRHs exert pleiotropic actions via several classes of receptors. This new vision of the GnRH systems arose progressively from numerous comparative studies in all vertebrate classes, but fish in general, and teleosts in particular, have often plaid a leading part in changing established concepts. To date fish still appear as attractive models to decipher the evolutionary mechanisms that led to the diversification of GnRH functions. Not only do teleosts exhibit the highest variety of GnRH variants, but recent data and whole genome analyses indicate that they may also possess multiple GnRH receptors. This paper intends to summarize the current situation with special emphasis on interspecies comparisons which provide insights into the possible evolutionary mechanisms leading to the diversification of GnRH functions.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping