Lewis 9630611 Reproductive behavior is mediated by a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) which is produced by cells in the brain. This hormone is secreted by neurons and binds to a specific protein, called a receptor, on GnRH target cells. However, little is known about how the binding of this hormone to its receptor influences other nerve cells and subsequently controls reproductive behavior. Dr. Lewis is investigating the mechanisms by which GnRH binding to its receptor changes the excitability of neurons. She is using a unique and powerful system to express the GnRH receptor in nerve cells that do not normally contain the receptor. Her studies center on the coupling of the receptor to intracellular second messenger systems, which lead to changes in permeability to various electrically charged molecules. These investigations will generate valuable insights into the coupling of intracellular messengers with receptor activation, and provide an improved understanding of the basic principles underlying reproduction in all species.
