GnRH neurons recruit astrocytes in infancy to facilitate network integration and sexual maturation

The E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF216/TRIAD3 is a key coordinator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis

“…Therefore, our findings do not adequately support a role for microglia in regulating GnRH neurons in this region. One major cell type that controls GnRH activity is astrocytes ( Pellegrino et al., 2021 ; Sharif et al., 2013 ); however, we found no change in astrocyte density or area in male and female KOs. One aspect to consider from our data is that the progression of neuroinflammation may differ between male and female GHS patients.…”

The polygamous GnRH neuron: Astrocytic and tanycytic communication with a neuroendocrine neuronal population

“…12,60 Inhibiting the birth of glial progenitors using antimitotic agents or preventing their recruitment by GnRH neurons using a DP1 antagonist impair sexual maturation and timely acquisition of fertility. 17 Altogether, this study reveals that GnRH neurons are engaged in active interactions with glial progenitors and astrocytes early in postnatal life to sculpt a microenvironment ensuring their proper maturation.…”

“…57,58 In the preoptic region, an intense proliferation of neural progenitors, which mainly differentiate into astrocytes, occurs during the infantile period, that is, the second week of postnatal life in rodents. 17 Whether these glial progenitors arise from local ventricular radial glia, as in other brain regions, remains to be determined.…”

“…How the glial entourage of GnRH neurons at their cell body is established has only been uncovered recently. 17 Our group has shown that this process, which occurs during the infantile period, involves an intimate dialogue between glial progenitors, astrocytes and GnRH neurons. Indeed, GnRH neurons use prostaglandin D2…”

“…[12][13][14][15][16] The mechanisms by which GnRH neurons sculpt their own microenvironment and establish the connections necessary to control reproduction and that remained unexplored until 2021, appear to involve glial cells. 17 Indeed, as it will be elaborated in this review, the GnRH network is not exclusively neuronal but includes at least two glial cell types (Figure 1): tanycytes, which control the access of GnRH neurosecretory terminals to the pericapillary space of pituitary portal vessels, into which the hormone is released, and astrocytes, whose communication with GnRH neurons is essential for reproductive function. 18 In addition, both astrocytes and tanycytes also help generate physiological responses by forming a hub with neurons that integrates internal and external cues within the adult brain.…”