GPCR/EGFR cross talk is conserved in gonadal and adrenal steroidogenesis but is uniquely regulated by matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in the ovary.

ABSTRACT: Previous work has demonstrated that cross talk between G protein-coupled LH receptors and epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) is essential for LH-induced steroid production in ovarian follicles and testicular Leydig cells. Here we demonstrate that G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)/EGFR cross talk is also required for ACTH-induced steroidogenesis in Y1 adrenal cells. Moreover, we confirm that the signaling pathway from GPCR to Erk activation is conserved in all three steroidogenic tissues. ACTH or LH induces Gα(s), resulting in elevated cAMP and protein kinase A activation. cAMP/protein kinase A then triggers EGFR trans-activation, which promotes Erk signaling and subsequent steroidogenesis. Interestingly, although EGFR trans-activation is conserved in all three tissues, the specific m

SUBMITTER: Carbajal L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3100602 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature