Fertility controlled by brain circuitry

A research at the University of Otago, situated in New Zealand proves that brain circuitry controls fertility. This study is published in the international journal Nature Communications. A team of researchers, led by Professor Allan Herbison, Otago neuroscientist, in collaboration with colleagues at Heiderlberg University, situated in Germany discovered that there`s a connection between kisspeptin, a small protein and its receptor, the so-called Gpr54.

Kisspeptin is considered to be crucial for fertility but it also vital for the appearance of ovulation. This research was released on infertile mice which were saved by inserting the Gpr54 gene into the neurons. Professor Herbison states that these findings could lead to new treatment methods for fertility. “Our new understand of the exact mechanism by which kisspeptin acts as a master controller of reproduction in an exciting breakthrough which opens up avenues for tackling what is often a very heart-breaking health issue.

Through detailing this mechanism we now have a key chemical switch to which drugs can be precisely targeted”, said Professor Herbison. He also states that further targeting of kisspeptin could be beneficial for prostate cancer treating as well.