About this Research Topic
We propose to submit to Frontiers in Endocrinology a collection of 8-10 manuscripts that will emanate from a meeting to be held in Semmelweis University Budapest, August 16-17, in memory of Kevin J. Catt who died October 1 , 2017. Dr Catt was a notable scientist who worked in areas related to receptors of protein and peptide hormones and their actions via various signal transduction pathways in a variety of endocrine tissues. These chapters will be authored by his disciples who spent time under Catt’s mentorship and are currently highly accomplished scientists working on receptors, signaling pathways and biological effects of hormones and neurotransmitters. In addition, to the list of already committed authors, other scientists attending the conference may choose to participate.
The chapters will cover endocrine related functions in several organs including hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal, the thyroid gland, reproductive organs, fetal signals and tumor markers related to pancreatic and neuroendocrine tumors. They will cover recent advances and new discoveries on signaling and functions of hormones and their impact in physiology, pathology of various neuro and somatic diseases. More specifically, mechanisms controlling adrenal cortex to include the role of ACTH in receptor mediated activation and signaling in adrenal zonation, cell renewal and their connection to adrenal diseases, cancer and aging will receive ample coverage.
Similarly, the role of the adrenal accessory protein MRAP, which is essential for ACTH receptor (MC2R) expression and function will be highlighted also covering its mutations responsible for cases of Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD2) as well as other diseases resulting from MC2R’s mutations (FGD1). Structure-function studies will be welcomed revealing that G protein activation and beta-arrestin binding of activated angiotensin II receptors have different conformational requirements, providing new opportunities for independent pharmacological modulation of G protein and beta-arrestin mediated signaling effects of G protein-coupled receptors.
On the reproductive area, the central role of FSHs (Follicle Stimulating Hormones) and androgens in Sertoli cell-induced genes and paracrine signals will be featured with impact in germ cells, essential for the progress of spermatogenesis. Fetal regulation and timing of birth through increased production of fetal lung proteins that are secreted into the amniotic fluid will also be highlighted. These factors promote initiation of normal labor through an inflammatory uterine response, providing insights in preventing pre-term labor.
Other subjects will include the activation/ inhibition/ neutrality of the GPCR TSH receptor by autoantibodies, and specific signaling mechanisms and cellular effects leading to different disease states of the thyroid gland. The relevance of Vasopressin and CRH expression and receptor regulation and their connection to stress disorders will also receive coverage.
This Research Topic is very timely with the increasing incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) worldwide with dysregulation of hormonal/ transmitter/ receptor balance as being the likely cause of the disease. The concepts and up-to-date information derived from the collection will undoubtedly provide stimulus for further development in these areas both for new investigators and established scientists.
Keywords: ACTH, Angiotensin II receptor signaling, FSH, Androgens, TSH receptor antibodies, CRH, Inositol lipids
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
