Kisspeptin/Kisspeptin Receptor System in the Ovary

Abstract

Kisspeptins are a family of neuropeptides that are critical for initiating puberty and regulating ovulation in sexually mature females via the central control of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Recent studies have shown that kisspeptin and its receptor kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) are expressed in the mammalian ovary. Convincing evidence indicates that kisspeptins can activate a wide variety of signals via its binding to KISS1R. Experimental data gathered recently suggest a putative role of kisspeptin signaling in the direct control of ovarian function, including follicular development, oocyte maturation, steroidogenesis, and ovulation. Dysregulation or naturally occurring mutations of the kisspeptin/KISS1R system may negatively affect the ovarian function, leading to reproductive pathology or female infertility. A comprehensive understanding of the expression, actions, and underlying molecular mechanisms of this system in the human ovary is essential for novel approaches to therapeutic and diagnostic interventions in reproductive diseases and infertility.

Impact of serum and follicular fluid kisspeptin and estradiol on oocyte maturity and endometrial thickness among unexplained infertile females during ICSI

“…Emerging evidence on FF- KP levels and its relationship with the female reproductive system reflects the importance of intraovarian KP in follicular development, oocyte maturation, and ovulation. Decreased concentration of follicular KP can adversely affect ovarian function, female reproduction, and fertility [ 26 ]. It has been observed that granulosa cells (GC) are one of the major sites for KP synthesis in rats, as Kiss1mRNA expression was found to be significantly higher in the GCs compared with the theca cells and other ovarian cells [ 26 ].…”

“…Decreased concentration of follicular KP can adversely affect ovarian function, female reproduction, and fertility [ 26 ]. It has been observed that granulosa cells (GC) are one of the major sites for KP synthesis in rats, as Kiss1mRNA expression was found to be significantly higher in the GCs compared with the theca cells and other ovarian cells [ 26 ]. In our study, KP levels in FF were higher than maximum serum KP levels in women, which is similar to a study that also observed higher FF KP concentration than serum levels [ 13 ].…”

“…Kisspeptin (KP) is a neuropeptide that acts via a G-protein coupled receptor and has been found to be the upstream regulator of GnRH release. Hence it plays important roles in female reproduction such as the onset of puberty, ovulation, implantation, placentation and metabolic regulation of fertility [ 1 – 3 ]. The role of KP in puberty onset is supported by the observations that loss of function due to mutations in KP result in the absence of pubertal development, whereas girls with central precocious puberty are found to have higher KP levels [ 4 ].…”

Therapeutic possibilities in the correction of vegetative disorders and anovulation in case of premature ovarian insufficiency

“…Новые данные указывают на потенциальную роль гипоталамического нейропептида в модулировании активности различных систем в головном мозге и многих периферических органах. Несколько исследований показали, что кисспептин и его рецептор экспрессируются в различных тканях и могут оказывать прямое аутокринно-паракринное действие, в том числе в репродуктивных органах: яичник, плацента [18].…”

Kisspeptin: new biomarker of pregnancy

“…All kisspeptins contain the RFamide motif that can bind and activate KISS1R. 4,5 The most abundant kisspeptin in the human circulation is kisspeptin-54. 6 KISS1R belongs to the G-protein-coupled receptor family that was first identified as an orphan receptor in the rat brain.…”