Cell differentiation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons and alternative RNA splicing of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone transcript

Neuroendocrinology
Youngshik ChoeKyungjin Kim

Abstract

Two different, yet related issues regarding gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), i.e. the development and differentiation of hypothalamic GnRH neurons and the alternative RNA splicing of GnRH gene transcripts, are addressed in the present review. Using the immortalized GnRH-producing GT1 cell line, we found that activation of protein kinase C (PKC) with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate induces morphological and functional differentiation of these neurons. Specific isoforms of PKC are involved in neurite growth, cell migration and synaptic contacts and involve different signaling pathways. Using an in vitro splicing assay with HeLa nuclear extract, we found that excision of the first intron of the GnRH primary transcript is attenuated in non-GnRH-producing cells, but not in GnRH-producing cells such as GT1. This attenuation was relieved by exonic splicing enhancers located in the GnRH exons 3 and 4. Interestingly, addition of nuclear extract derived from GT1 cells further increased the excision rate of intron A, indicating that GnRH neurons contain TRANS-acting splicing factors. Extensive biochemical analysis indicates that Tra2alpha, a serine/arginine-rich RNA-binding protein, and other cofactors are likely involved in me...Continue Reading

Citations

Mar 14, 2009·Differentiation; Research in Biological Diversity·Karina J VargasCarlos B González
Oct 1, 2004·Drug Discovery Today. Technologies·Franz B PichlerDonald R Love
Dec 17, 2005·American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology·Chunmei YueHarold Gainer

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Cell Adhesion Molecules in the Brain

Cell adhesion molecules found on cell surface help cells bind with other cells or the extracellular matrix to maintain structure and function. Here is the latest research on their role in the brain.

CREs: Gene & Cell Therapy

Gene and cell therapy advances have shown promising outcomes for several diseases. The role of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) is crucial in the design of gene therapy vectors. Here is the latest research on CREs in gene and cell therapy.

Alternative splicing

Alternative splicing a regulated gene expression process that allows a single genetic sequence to code for multiple proteins. Here is that latest research.

Cell Migration

Cell migration is involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes such as embryonic development, cancer metastasis, blood vessel formation and remoulding, tissue regeneration, immune surveillance and inflammation. Here is the latest research.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli

Adenomatous polyposis coli is a protein encoded by the APC gene and acts as a tumor suppressor. Discover the latest research on adenomatous polyposis coli here.