ERK signaling, but not c-Raf, is required for gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-induced regulation of Nur77 in pituitary gonadotropes.

ABSTRACT: Stimulation of pituitary gonadotropes by hypothalamic GnRH leads to the rapid expression of several immediate early genes that play key roles in orchestrating the response of the gonadotrope to hypothalamic stimuli. Elucidation of the signaling mechanisms that couple the GnRH receptor to this immediate early gene repertoire is critical for understanding the molecular basis of GnRH action. Here we identify signaling mechanisms that underlie regulation of the orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 as a GnRH-responsive immediate early gene in αT3-1 cells and mouse gonadotropes in culture. Using a variety of approaches, we show that GnRH-induced transcriptional upregulation of Nur77 in αT3-1 cells is dependent on calcium, protein kinase C (PKC), and ERK signaling. Transcriptional activity of Nur77 with

SUBMITTER: Bliss SP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3275385 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature