The Role of Prokineticins in the Pathogenesis of Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

Author(s)

Abreu, Ana Paula ^{[1, 2]} ; Kaiser, Ursula B. ^{[1, 2]} ; Latronico, Ana Claudia ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Brigham & Womens Hosp, Div Endocrinol Diabet & Hypertens, Boston, MA 02115 - USA

^[2] Harvard Univ, Sch Med, Boston, MA - USA

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Hormonios & Genet Mol, Disciplina Endocrinol & Metabol, Hosp Clin, Unidade Endocrinol Desenvolvimento, Fac Med, BR-05403900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: Neuroendocrinology; v. 91, n. 4, p. 283-290, 2010.
• Web of Science Citations: 14

Abstract

The prokineticin system comprises two multifunctional secreted proteins, prokineticin-1 (PROK1) and prokineticin-2 (PROK2), and their cognate G protein-coupled receptors. The prokineticins were originally identified as endogenous regulators of gastrointestinal motility. Currently, these bioactive peptides are involved in a wide spectrum of biological functions, including angiogenesis, neurogenesis, circadian rhythms, nociception, hematopoiesis and immune response. Mice homozygous for null mutations in Prokr2 or Prok2 recapitulate the human phenotype of Kallmann syndrome, exhibiting severe atrophy of the reproductive system and hypoplastic olfactory bulbs. Indeed, the evidence from several naturally inactivating mutations in the PROK2 and PROKR2 genes in patients with Kallmann syndrome and normosmic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism also indicate the essential role of PROK2 in olfactory bulb morphogenesis and GnRH secretion in humans. Copyright (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 05/04726-0 - Molecular characterization of congenital endocrine diseases that affect growth and development
• Grantee: Ana Claudia Latronico Xavier
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants