Investigating gonadotropin hormone actions on the cellular level: Toward a better knowledge and control of gonadal biology

Gonadotropins, Follicle-Stimulating Hormones (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormones (LH) are both endocrine hormones secreted from the pituitary which play crucial roles in the biology of reproduction. Through binding and activation of their cognate receptors, respectively FSHR and LHR, both expressed at the surface of cells in the gonads, they regulate 2 major functions, namely gametogenesis (spermatogenesis and oogenesis) and steroidogenesis. As both are physiologically important for the regulation and control of fertility, any dysfunction or alteration of the 2 hormone systems is commonly associated with reduced fertility or infertility. Although the molecular and cellular aspect have been intensively studied over the past 20 years, recent findings suggest that the mode of action gonadotropins is far more complex than previously thought. Moreover, very few pharmacological tools are currently available to control gonadotropin hormones action. I will discuss new strategies to manipulate gonadotropin receptors function and overcome the lack of pharmacological tools to regulate fertility.