Molecular structure of the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor gene

GnRH receptors belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptor proteins and have been localized to the anterior pituitary, brain and reproductive organs as well as many steroid-dependent tumor tissues. Recently, cDNAs for the GnRH receptors of several species including the human have been cloned. To determine the structure of the gene encoding the human GnRH receptor, we isolated the receptor gene clones from the human genomic libraries. Comparison of the genomic and cDNA sequences revealed that the human GnRH receptor gene is composed of three exons and two introns and spans over 20 kb in size. Exon 1 encodes the 5' untranslated sequence and nucleotide +1 to +522 in the open reading frame, exon 2 encodes nucleotide +523 to +742 and exon 3 encodes nucleotide +743 to +987 in the open reading frame as well as the 3' untranslated sequence. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA and localization of the GnRH receptor gene to a single site on human chromosome 4 (4q13) indicate the presence of a single copy of the gene in the human genome. Several regulatory sequences for various hormones and other regulatory factors were identified, including PEA-3, AP-1, AP-2, and Pit-1 sites. In addition, glucocorticoid/progesterone response element thyroid hormone response element, and cAMP response element sequences were identified. Reverse transcriptase-primer extension and 5' RACE analysis of the human pituitary RNA demonstrated the presence of multiple transcriptional start sites upstream of the translational start site. Analysis of the 5' flanking region of the gene also revealed the presence of multiple TATA and CAAT sequences. The finding of multiple transcriptional start sites raises the possibility of tissue-specific regulation and the existence of variable size transcripts. Chimeras containing 1.26 kb (-534 to 728) of the 5' flanking region of the receptor gene and the luciferase (Luc) gene expressed a significant luciferase activity when transfected into a human endometrial tumor cell line (HEC-1A) and a breast tumor cell line (MCF-7) but not in a mouse pituitary gonadotrope cell line (alpha T3-1), suggesting the existence of multiple promoter elements in the gene. These findings indicate a multiplicity of regulation of expression of the GnRH receptor and provide the substrate for detailed investigation in the reproductive system.