Mechanisms involved in the regulation of the mouse Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) gene are investigated in my laboratory. GnRH is the primary neural signal regulating reproductive function, and appropriate regulation GnRH is critical for pubertal development and reproductive competence. There is also increasing evidence that GnRH is produced in the ovary and directly modulates ovarian function in a paracrine or autocrine manner. I am trying to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that differentially regulate the expression of GnRH in the hypothalamus and ovary, by using transgenic mice and cell culture models. Growth factor signaling by insulin and IGF-1 appears to play an important role in regulation of GnRH gene expression. Ultimately, I hope to delineate the intracellular signaling pathways that regulate GnRH expression. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms that regulate GnRH, we can begin to understand how external signals, such as stress and nutrition, are translated into changes in reproductive function.