[Basic and clinical studies on sex hormone receptors]

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Molecular Endocrinology
• Neuroendocrinology

Context:

• Steroid hormones are crucial for reproduction, acting via specific receptors.
• Understanding receptorology is vital for comprehending reproductive physiology and pathology.
• Molecular biology advancements have accelerated receptor research.

Purpose:

• To present recent findings on steroid hormone receptor (SHR) and its gene expression.
• To provide an overview of receptor study development, both basic and clinical.
• To investigate the regulation and tissue distribution of SHRs.

Summary:

• Developed a quantitative RT-PCR assay for SHR mRNA measurement.
• Identified distinct promoters for rat progesterone receptor (PR)-A and PR-B gene expression.
• Demonstrated tissue-specific and often transcriptionally regulated SHR gene expression, with widespread distribution indicating a 'basic action'.
• Localized PR in primate brain regions, suggesting limited feedback sites compared to rats.
• Observed region-specific SHR expression during development, influencing brain sex differentiation and hormone sensitivity.
• Investigated potential regulatory roles of thyroid hormone, arachidonic acid, and antisense RNA (SH2RNA) on SHR and GnRH pathways.
• Showcased GnRH agonist-induced downregulation of GnRH receptor (GnRHR) mRNA.

Impact:

• Provides insights into the fundamental mechanisms of reproductive hormone action.
• Highlights the complexity of SHR gene regulation, including transcriptional and post-transcriptional control.
• Suggests potential differences in progesterone feedback mechanisms between rodents and primates.
• Offers a basis for understanding developmental roles of SHRs in brain sex differentiation.
• Uncovers novel regulatory interactions involving SHRs, thyroid hormone, arachidonic acid, and GnRH signaling pathways.