Kisspeptin as a behavioral hormone
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Mills, Edouard GA
O'Byrne, Kevin T
Comninos, Alexander N
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Successful reproduction is dependent not only on hormonal endocrine responses but also on suitable partner selection, copulatory acts, as well as associated emotional, behavioral, and cognitive processes many of which are supported by the limbic system. The reproductive hormone kisspeptin (encoded by the KISS1/kiss1 gene) is now recognized as the key orchestrator of the reproductive axis. In addition to the hypothalamus, prominent kisspeptin neuronal populations have been identified throughout limbic and paralimbic brain regions across an assortment of species. In this review, we detail the emerging roles of kisspeptin signaling in the broader aspects of behavioral, emotional, and cognitive control. Recent studies from zebrafish through humans have provided new molecular and neural insights into the complex role of kisspeptin in interpreting olfactory and auditory cues to govern sexual partner preference, in regulating copulatory behaviors and in influencing mood and emotions. Furthermore, emerging roles for kisspeptin in facilitating memory and learning are also discussed. To this end, these findings shed new light onto the importance of kisspeptin signaling, while informing the pharmacological development of kisspeptin as a potential therapeutic strategy for individuals suffering from associated reproductive, emotional, and cognitive disorders.
Date Issued
2019-12-17
Date Acceptance
2019-09-10
Citation
Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, 2019, 37 (2), pp.56-63
ISSN
1526-4564
Publisher
Georg Thieme Verlag
Start Page
56
End Page
63
Journal / Book Title
Seminars in Reproductive Medicine
Volume
37
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
© 2019 Theime Medical Publishers Inc.
Sponsor
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31847025
Grant Number
MR/R000484/1
Subjects
1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine
Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
United States
Date Publish Online
2019-12-17