Progonadoliberin-1 (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1) (GnRH)

Progonadoliberin-1, also known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GnRH), is a peptide hormone encoded by the GNRH1 gene on chromosome 8p21.2 and produced in the hypothalamus from a 92-amino-acid preproprotein that is cleaved to yield the active decapeptide. It acts as a key regulator in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by binding to gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors on pituitary gonadotropes, stimulating the pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn drive gonadal steroidogenesis and gametogenesis essential for reproduction. GnRH secretion is pulsatile, with frequency varying by sex and reproductive phase—low frequency favors FSH release, while high frequency promotes LH surges critical for ovulation in females. Beyond the hypothalamus, GnRH and its receptor are expressed in peripheral tissues like gonads, placenta, and gastrointestinal tract, suggesting paracrine and autocrine roles, though these are less understood. Mutations in GNRH1 cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, impairing puberty and fertility, while dysregulation contributes to conditions like Kallmann syndrome and PCOS. Synthetic GnRH analogs, such as agonists (goserelin, leuprolide), are used clinically to initially stimulate then desensitize the axis for treating hormone-dependent cancers (e.g., prostate, breast), endometriosis, and precocious puberty, highlighting its therapeutic relevance despite targeting the receptor rather than the ligand itself.

Other names

GNRHGRHLHRHProgonadoliberin IGonadotropin-releasing hormoneGonadoliberin-1

Activator of gonadotropin secretion (for agonists like goserelin and leuprolide)