Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is synthesized/secreted from hypothalamic neurons and plays an integral role in normal reproductive function. Unlike most other neurons, the GnRH neurons are born in the olfactory placode and migrate into the hypothalamus during development. Although migratory failure clearly results in infertility, the molecular mechanisms that modulate GnRH neuronal migration in vivo are largely unknown. Recent studies from our laboratory suggest that adhesion related kinase (Ark) is expressed in GnRH neurons and may regulate GnRH neuronal adhesion, migration and gene expression. In the proposed studies, GnRH producing neuronal cell lines will be utilized to dissect Ark's role in these events. The signal transduction pathways required for Ark repression of GnRH promoter activity and the nuclear factors mediating this process will be defined. Aggregation and Boyden Chamber assays will be performed to evaluate whether Ark regulates GnRH neuronal cell adhesion and/or migration. Together, these studies will shed light on the molecular mechanisms governing GnRH neuronal gene expression and migration during development.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32HD008667-01
Application #
6206967
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MDCN-6 (01))
Program Officer
De Paolo, Louis V
Project Start
2001-02-24
Project End
Budget Start
2000-08-25
Budget End
2001-08-24
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$37,516
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Colorado Denver
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
065391526
City
Aurora
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80045