Scientists have discovered the crucial ovulation-triggering role played by a small protein molecule in the brain

Scientists have discovered the crucial ovulation-triggeringrole played by a small protein molecule in the brain, a finding that could holdthe key to new therapies for infertility.

Professor Allan Herbison form the University of Otago with collaboration of Cambridge University researchers, has published the first evidence that kisspeptin signaling in the brain is also essential for ovulation to occur in adults.

Studying female mice, the researchers found that signaling between kisspeptin and its cell receptor GPR54 was essential to activate Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, the nerve cells known to initiate ovulation.

The research appears in the latest issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.

"This is an exciting finding, as people have been trying to find out precisely how the brain controls ovulation for more than 30 years. This work now reveals a crucial link in the brain circuitry responsible," Herbison said in a statement.

The study indicates that disorders affecting the signaling between kisspeptin and the GPR54 receptors will result in women being unable to ovulate.

As an approach to treating infertility in some women, it could allow for ovulation to be induced in a more natural way than current therapies, the research added.

Herbison says his research group is now investigating what role kisspeptin-GPR54 signaling might play in the male reproductive system.

As for the protein's name "kisspeptin," the researcherssay it is completely unrelated to its association with reproduction.