Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor

Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) is a transmembrane receptor found on the surface of the granulosa cells of the ovary and Sertoli cells of the testis. It is activated by the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a gonadotropin hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The FSHR is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, specifically the rhodopsin-like receptors. It is composed of an extracellular domain, a seven-transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain. The extracellular domain is responsible for binding FSH, while the seven-transmembrane domain is involved in signal transduction.

Function[edit | edit source]

Upon binding of FSH, the FSHR undergoes a conformational change that activates the associated G protein. This leads to the production of cyclic AMP (cAMP), which acts as a second messenger and initiates a cascade of intracellular events. In the ovary, this results in the maturation of the ovarian follicles and the production of estrogen. In the testis, FSHR activation leads to the proliferation of Sertoli cells and the production of androgen binding protein, which is essential for spermatogenesis.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the FSHR gene can lead to reproductive disorders. For example, inactivating mutations can cause ovarian failure in women and azoospermia in men. Conversely, activating mutations can lead to spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a condition characterized by enlarged ovaries and fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.