A stimulating Journey with follicle-stimulating hormone

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a pituitary hormone that is essential for female fertility. It is synthesized as a complex of two distinct subunit proteins that are decorated with sugar chains. Using mouse genetic models, it is possible to study in a physiological context FSH subunit assembly and dimer formation, FSH trafficking and FSH secretion and action. When secreted into blood, FSH binds to FSH receptors on ovarian cells and signals downstream to ultimately produce estrogen, the female sex steroid. FSH also provides the appropriate microenvironment that is required for optimal egg number and quality. Recombinant FSH preparations are used in IVF protocols for women seeking ovarian induction. FSH action on ovaries diminishes with aging leading to loss of estrogen production and ovarian senescence or menopause, although FSH levels constantly increase during this time. Using specialized antibody fragments called nanobodies specific to human FSH receptor, it remains to be tested if blocking FSH action could result in blockade of female fertility and if elevated FSH levels in old age are detrimental to overall health.

Speaker

T.  Rajendra  Kumar

LE STUDIUM  Visiting Researcher 

FROM: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus - USA
IN RESIDENCE AT: Physiology of Reproduction and Behaviour (PRC) / Centre INRAE Val de Loire, CNRS, University of Tours, IFCE - FR