Abstract
CRH and Urocortins 1, 2 and 3 comprise the, so far identified, members of the CRH family of peptides in humans. Their actions are mediated through two distinct receptors, CRHR1 and CRHR2, encoded by different genes. CRHlike peptides and their receptors have been identified in reproductive tissues, such as the ovary, uterus as well as fetal and placental membranes. The participation of the “CRH family” of peptides and receptors in the physiology of these organs is currently under intense investigation. During the estrus cycle, endometrial CRH acts as a fine tuner of stromal cells decidualization. CRH is produced by embryonic trophoblast and maternal decidual cells and plays important roles in implantation. CRH also participates in the control of trophoblast invasion. Furthermore, placental CRH and Urocortin are involved in the mechanisms controlling maintenance of pregnancy and the onset of labor. The level of participation of urocortins 2 and 3 in these phenomena is currently under investigation. This review will focus on existing data on the expression and regulation of the CRH family of peptides and their receptors in the female reproductive system, as well as in their potential biologic role(s) in human reproductive functions.
Keywords: CRH, urocortin, stresscopin, implantation, decidualization, antalarmin
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Title: CRH-Like Peptides in Human Reproduction
Volume: 16 Issue: 32
Author(s): E. Zoumakis, S. N. Kalantaridou and A. Makrigiannakis
Affiliation:
Keywords: CRH, urocortin, stresscopin, implantation, decidualization, antalarmin
Abstract: CRH and Urocortins 1, 2 and 3 comprise the, so far identified, members of the CRH family of peptides in humans. Their actions are mediated through two distinct receptors, CRHR1 and CRHR2, encoded by different genes. CRHlike peptides and their receptors have been identified in reproductive tissues, such as the ovary, uterus as well as fetal and placental membranes. The participation of the “CRH family” of peptides and receptors in the physiology of these organs is currently under intense investigation. During the estrus cycle, endometrial CRH acts as a fine tuner of stromal cells decidualization. CRH is produced by embryonic trophoblast and maternal decidual cells and plays important roles in implantation. CRH also participates in the control of trophoblast invasion. Furthermore, placental CRH and Urocortin are involved in the mechanisms controlling maintenance of pregnancy and the onset of labor. The level of participation of urocortins 2 and 3 in these phenomena is currently under investigation. This review will focus on existing data on the expression and regulation of the CRH family of peptides and their receptors in the female reproductive system, as well as in their potential biologic role(s) in human reproductive functions.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Zoumakis E., Kalantaridou N. S. and Makrigiannakis A., CRH-Like Peptides in Human Reproduction, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2009; 16 (32) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986709789578204
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986709789578204 |
Print ISSN 0929-8673 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-533X |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Medicinal Chemistry: From Cancer to Chronic Diseases.
The broad spectrum of the issue will provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends, novel therapeutic interventions, and translational insights that impact modern medicine. The primary focus will be diseases of global concern, including cancer, chronic pain, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions, providing a broad overview of the advancements in ...read more
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Non-Infectious Inflammatory Diseases: Focus on Clinical Implications
The Special Issue covers the results of the studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms of non-infectious inflammatory diseases, in particular, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders such as type II diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Review and research articles as well as methodology papers that summarize ...read more
Chalcogen-modified nucleic acid analogues
Chalcogen-modified nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides have been of great interest to scientific research for many years. The replacement of oxygen in the nucleobase, sugar or phosphate backbone by chalcogen atoms (sulfur, selenium, tellurium) gives these biomolecules unique properties resulting from their altered physical and chemical properties. The continuing interest in ...read more
Current advances in inherited cardiomyopathy
Describe in detail all novel advances in multimodality imaging related to inherited cardiomyopathy diagnosis and prognosis. Shed light to deeper phenotypic characterization. Acknowledge recent advances in genetics, genomics and precision medicineread more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Gene Transfer for Inherited Metabolic Disorders of the Liver: Immunological Challenges
Current Pharmaceutical Design Choline Nutrition Programs Brain Development Via DNA and Histone Methylation
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Multidrug Resistance: Retrospect and Prospects in Anti-Cancer Drug Treatment
Current Medicinal Chemistry Advances in Characterization of Human Sirtuin Isoforms: Chemistries, Targets and Therapeutic Applications
Current Medicinal Chemistry Physiology, Affecting Factors and Strategies for Control of Pig Meat Intramuscular Fat
Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture Fetal Programming of the Human Brain: Is there a Link with Insurgence of Neurodegenerative Disorders in Adulthood?
Current Medicinal Chemistry Chelating Agents for the Treatment of Systemic Iron Overload
Current Medicinal Chemistry Contribution of Inflammation to Fat Redistribution and Metabolic Disturbances in HIV-1 Infected Patients
Current Pharmaceutical Design Driving Cellular Plasticity and Survival Through the Signal Transduction Pathways of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors
Current Neurovascular Research Potential Use of Polymeric Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Across the Blood-Brain Barrier
Current Medicinal Chemistry Cryopreservation of Ovarian Tissue: State of the Art in 2007
Current Women`s Health Reviews Extracellular Proteases as Targets for Drug Development
Current Protein & Peptide Science Cerebral Artery Signal Transduction Mechanisms: Developmental Changes in Dynamics and Ca<sup>2+</sup> Sensitivity
Current Vascular Pharmacology TNF α Signaling Beholds Thalidomide Saga: A Review of Mechanistic Role of TNF-α Signaling Under Thalidomide
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Aging of the Innate Immune System: An Update
Current Immunology Reviews (Discontinued) Endothelin Receptors in Gastrointestinal Smooth Muscle
Current Protein & Peptide Science The Nef-Infectivity Enigma: Mechanisms of Enhanced Lentiviral Infection
Current HIV Research Group VI Phospholipases A2: Homeostatic Phospholipases with Significant Potential as Targets for Novel Therapeutics
Current Drug Targets Plasma Pharmacokinetics of Antimicrobial Agents in Critically Ill Patients
Current Clinical Pharmacology Patent Selections:
Recent Patents on Cardiovascular Drug Discovery