Regulation of Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Expression in Ovarian Cells
Summary
The luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) is a G protein-coupled receptor whose dynamic expression in ovarian granulosa and theca cells underpins key events in folliculogenesis, ovulation and luteal function. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) primes granulosa cells to induce LHR gene transcription, while the preovulatory LH surge both activates receptor signalling and initiates feedback mechanisms that curtail receptor abundance. Transcriptional control involves gonadotrophin-responsive transcription factors, whereas post-transcriptional and translational regulation modulate mRNA stability and protein synthesis. Following the LH peak, a specialised mRNA-binding protein binds to a coding-region element of LHR transcripts, promoting degradation or translational arrest. Concomitant receptor internalisation, recycling and shedding of soluble receptor fragments further fine-tune cell surface receptor density. Dysregulation of these processes contributes to luteal phase defects, anovulation and subfertility, underscoring their clinical relevance for assisted reproduction and ovarian pathology.
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Regulation of Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Expression in Ovarian Cells publication trend
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Technical terms
Luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR): A membrane-bound G protein-coupled receptor that transduces LH and hCG signals in ovarian cells.
Post-transcriptional regulation: Control of gene expression through processes affecting mRNA stability, localisation or translation after transcription.
mRNA-binding protein (LRBP): A cytosolic trans-acting factor that recognises specific sequences in LHR mRNA to modulate its lifespan and translation efficiency.
Translational suppression: A mechanism by which protein synthesis from a target mRNA is inhibited, often via direct binding of regulatory proteins.
References
- Identification of a Hormonally Regulated Luteinizing Hormone/Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Receptor mRNA Binding Protein INCREASED mRNA BINDING DURING RECEPTOR DOWN-REGULATION*. Journal of Biological Chemistry (1998).
- Isolation and Characterization of a Novel trans-Factor for Luteinizing Hormone Receptor mRNA from Ovary*. Journal of Biological Chemistry (2004).
- Regulation of Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Expression EVIDENCE OF TRANSLATIONAL SUPPRESSION IN VITRO BY A HORMONALLY REGULATED mRNA-BINDING PROTEIN AND ITS ENDOGENOUS ASSOCIATION WITH LUTEINIZING HORMONE RECEPTOR mRNA IN THE OVARY*. Journal of Biological Chemistry (2005).
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