Atlas of Fshr expression from novel reporter mice

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Endocrinology
• Genetics

Background:

• The Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR) pathway is crucial for reproduction.
• Emerging evidence suggests FSHR expression in extragonadal tissues, necessitating further investigation.
• Conventional methods for analyzing FSHR expression in vivo are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a reliable method for analyzing FSHR expression in vivo.
• To comprehensively map the spatial distribution of FSHR expression in gonadal and extragonadal tissues.
• To explore the physiological relevance of FSHR beyond reproductive functions.

Main Methods:

• Development of Fshr-ZsGreen reporter mice using CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
• In vivo analysis of Fshr expression at single-cell resolution in real time.
• Comprehensive profiling of FSHR expression across various organs and tissues.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated Fshr expression in intragonadal tissues.
• Unveiled significant FSHR expression in Leydig cells, osteoblast lineage cells, vascular endothelial cells, lung bronchiolar epithelium, and renal tubules.
• Provided the first comprehensive genetic record of FSHR spatial distribution.

Conclusions:

• FSHR has a widespread expression pattern beyond reproductive organs.
• This finding highlights the physiological importance of FSHR in various tissues, including bones, lungs, kidneys, and heart.
• Opens new therapeutic avenues for age-related disorders and advances the understanding of FSH-FSHR biology.