The expression of a mitochondria-localized glutamic acid-rich protein (MGARP/OSAP) is under the regulation of the HPG axis.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis exerts a profound effect on animal development, reproduction, and response to stress, and new insights into its complicated functional activities are continuously being made. In the present study, by using immunohistochemical studies and different mouse models (ovariectomy and ob/ob mice), we systemically analyzed the expression of a novel mitochondria-localized glutamic acid-rich protein acid protein and demonstrated that is under the regulation of the HPG axis. MGduanyu37 is highly enriched in steroidogenic tissues and the visual system. Interestingly, its expression increases as mice develop. Early in development, MGduanyu37 is mainly detected in the retina and adrenal gland. At this early developmental stage, its expression is not detectable in the gonads, but its expression in the gonads dramatically increases during the first 2-4 wk after birth. Importantly, MGduanyu37 levels correlate with estrogen levels in the ovaries during the estrous cycle, and estrogen regulates the expression of MGduanyu37 in a tissue-specific manner and through a feedback regulatory mechanism. Functional inhibition of GnRH with an antagonist strongly reduces MGduanyu37 levels, and knockout of leptin (ob/ob) significantly reduces the MGduanyu37 expression in follicular granular cells. We proposed a model that elucidates the role MGduanyu37 plays in the HPG axis. Within the HPG axis loop, MGduanyu37 participates in hormone biosynthesis while being under the regulation of the hormones derived from the HPG axis.

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