Molecular isolation and characterization of the kisspeptin system, KISS and GPR54 genes in roach Rutilus rutilus.

The reproduction of vertebrates is regulated by endocrine and neuro-endocrine signaling molecules acting along the brain-pituitary-gonad (BPG) axis. The understanding of the neuroendocrine role played in reproductive function has been recently revolutionized since the KiSS1/GPR54 (KiSS1r) system was discovered in 2003 in human and mice. Kisspeptins, neuropeptides that are encoded by the KiSS genes, have been recognized as essential in the regulation of the gonadotropic axis. They have been shown to play key roles in puberty onset and reproduction by regulating the gonadotropin secretion in mammals while physiological roles in vertebrates are still poorly known. In order to provide new knowledge on basic reproductive physiology in fish as well as new tools to assess impacts of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), the neurotransmitter system, i.e., gene/receptor, KISS/GPR54 might constitute an appropriate biomarker. This study provides new understandings on the neuroendocrine regulation of roach reproduction as well as new molecular tools to be used as biomarkers of endocrine disruption. This work completes the set of biomarkers already validated in this species.