Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2025
10:24
Detection of Ligand-activated G Protein-coupled Receptor Internalization by Confocal Microscopy
Published on: April 9, 2017
10.7K
G protein-coupled receptor-receptor interactions in gonadal physiology
Clara Lazzaretti1, Mohammed Akli Ayoub2, Livio Casarini1
1Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Andrology
|December 10, 2024
Summary
Gonadotropin receptors, crucial for reproduction, may form complexes (homo/heteromers) that influence reproductive functions. Further in vivo research is needed to confirm the clinical impact of these receptor assemblies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Pharmacology
Background:
- Gonadotropins are key glycoprotein hormones regulating reproduction.
- They bind to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the gonads, essential for gametogenesis, steroid synthesis, and pregnancy.
- While often viewed as monomers, gonadotropin receptors increasingly show evidence of forming molecular complexes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on membrane receptor-receptor interactions in reproduction.
- To explore the role of gonadotropin receptor assemblies in reproductive physiology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on gonadotropin receptor interactions.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies investigating receptor complexes.
Main Results:
- Gonadotropin receptors can form homo/heteromers, challenging the monomeric view.
- These assemblies may function as allosteric modulators or biased agonists.
- Receptor complexes can cooperate in sustaining intracellular signals vital for reproduction.
Conclusions:
- Gonadotropin receptor homo/heteromers represent a novel research area with potential clinical and therapeutic implications.
- In vitro findings on receptor assemblies require in vivo validation to determine physiological significance.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for advancing reproductive medicine.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:21G-protein Coupled Receptors
116.2K
G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
116.2K
01:15G Protein-coupled Receptors
11.3K
G Protein-Coupled Receptors or GPCRs are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to sensory stimuli such as light, odors, hormones, cytokines, or neurotransmitters.
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
11.3K
01:30Transducer Mechanism: G Protein–Coupled Receptors
1.8K
G Protein–Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to various stimuli. GPCRs regulate critical physiological pathways and are excellent drug targets for treating diseases such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, depression, or Alzheimer's. Nearly 35% of approved drugs implement their therapeutic effects by selectively interacting with specific GPCRs.
GPCRs are also called heptahelical,...
GPCRs are also called heptahelical,...
1.8K
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
1.3K
The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
1.3K
01:26Secondary Messengers in Hormone Action
2.0K
Water-soluble hormones cannot cross the plasma membrane, so they rely on protein receptors that span the membrane to trigger intracellular signaling pathways. These pathways then activate second messengers inside the cell, including cAMP or calcium ions.
Many hormones bind to transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors that connect to regulatory G proteins. These G proteins can then activate enzymes such as adenylyl cyclase or phospholipase C. Adenylyl cyclase converts ATP to cAMP, activating...
Many hormones bind to transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors that connect to regulatory G proteins. These G proteins can then activate enzymes such as adenylyl cyclase or phospholipase C. Adenylyl cyclase converts ATP to cAMP, activating...
2.0K
01:22Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins
6.8K
Heterotrimeric G proteins are guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. As the name suggests, heterotrimeric G proteins are composed of three subunits: alpha, beta, and gamma. They remain GDP-bound or GTP-bound inside the cells and switch between inactive/active states. The Gα subunit possesses the nucleotide-binding pocket that binds guanine nucleotides and switches between GDP or GTP-bound states. In contrast, the Gꞵ and Gγ subunits are always bound together with high...
6.8K