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Tachykinin-directed gonadotropin-independent follicular growth: Evolutionary conservation and divergence between

Tsuyoshi Kawada1, Honoo Satake1

  • 1Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan.

General and Comparative Endocrinology
|January 24, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Tachykinins (TKs) drive early follicle growth in ascidians and mice, independent of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. This conserved TK-cathepsin D pathway is crucial for reproductive capacity and offspring viability.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Follicular development involves gonadotropin-independent and -dependent phases.
  • Molecular mechanisms of the gonadotropin-independent stage are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the role of tachykinins (TKs) in early follicular growth.
  • Determine if the TK pathway is conserved across species.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of TK signaling in ascidians (Ciona robusta) and mice (Mus musculus).
  • Examined TKs, their receptors, and downstream effectors like cathepsin D and the JAK1-STAT3-COX-2-prostaglandin pathway.

Main Results:

  • TKs directly promote gonadotropin-independent follicular growth in both ascidians and mice.
  • The TK-cathepsin D pathway is conserved across Olfactores (ascidians and vertebrates).
  • This pathway is active before sexual maturity in mice, highlighting its importance for reproduction.

Conclusions:

  • The TK-cathepsin D pathway represents an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for early follicle development.
  • Understanding this pathway offers insights into reproductive and evolutionary biology.
  • Early TK-mediated folliculogenesis is essential for reproductive success.
Keywords:
Ciona robustaFollicleMouseTachykinincathepsin D

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