Ultrashortloop Feedback on GnRH Biosynthesis and Secretion

十肽促性腺激素释放激素（GnRH）是哺乳动物生殖功能和行为的中心调节因子。 它从下丘脑分泌，以诱导促性腺激素的释放，促性腺激素反过来刺激性腺功能。 近年来发现GnRH的代谢产物GnRH-（1-5）能直接调节去卵巢雌激素致敏大鼠的基因表达，并促进其生殖行为。 这些结果导致了一个总体假设，即GnRH的代谢产物GnRH-（1-5）可能对啮齿动物排卵前GnRH/LH峰与生殖行为启动的同步化很重要。 本项目中的研究将为GnRH的代谢产物GnRH-（1-5）在调节GnRH脉冲分泌方面的生理重要性提供基本的理解。 这些实验旨在增强我们对这种加工代谢物在大脑中作用的细胞和分子机制的理解。 预计该项目将涉及一名研究生，1-2名轮换研究生，至少5名大学或高中生。 高中/大学生将通过暑期课程或科学/教育基金会以及当地本科院校的分会参加。高中/大学项目将涉及肽或抑制剂的中枢注射。 学生将参与每周会议的数据演示以及出版过程。

The decapeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the central regulator of reproductive function and behavior in mammals. It is secreted from the hypothalamus to induce the release of gonadotropins, which in turn, stimulate gonadal function. Recently it has been discovered that the metabolite of GnRH, the pentapeptide, GnRH-(1-5), can directly regulate its gene expression as well as to facilitate reproductive behavior in the ovariectomized estrogen-primed rat. These results have led to the overarching hypothesis that this metabolite of GnRH, GnRH-(1-5) may be important for the synchronization of the preovulatory GnRH/LH surge with the initiation of reproductive behavior in the rodent. The studies in the current project will provide a fundamental understanding for how this metabolite of GnRH, GnRH-(1-5), is physiologically important for the regulation of pulsatile GnRH secretion. The experiments are designed to enhance our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this processed metabolite's action in the brain. It is anticipated that this project will involve a graduate student, 1-2 rotating graduate student(s), and at least 5 college or high school students. The high school/college students will participate through summer programs or chapters of science/educational foundations as well as local undergraduate institutions. The high school/college projects will involve the central injections of peptides or inhibitors. The students will be involved in data presentation at weekly meetings as well as the publication process.