Research

Our research group has been dedicated to studying the physiology of neurons that synthesize kisspeptins, a peptide essential for the onset of puberty and regulation of reproductive functions.

We investigate how different factors, including stress related to food intake, influence the development and electrical activity of these neurons.

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Main Publications

Mansano NS; Vieira HR; Araujo-Lopes R; Szwka RE; Donato J Jr; Frazao R. Fasting modulates GABAergic synaptic transmission to arcuate kisspeptin neurons in female mice. Endocrinology (FI: 3.8), v. 164 (11), 2023.
Mansano NS; Paradela RS; Bohlen TM; Zanardi IM; Chaves FM; Silveira MA; Tavares MR; Donato J Jr; Frazao R. Vasoactive intestinal peptide exerts an excitatory effect on hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons during estrogen negative feedback. Molecular and cellular endocrinology (FI: 4,1), v. 542, 2022.
Bohlen TM; Zampieri TT; Furigo EC; Teixeira PDS; List EO; Kopchick; Donato J Jr; Frazao R. Central growth hormone signaling contributes to the timing of puberty in female mice. Journal of Endocrinology (FI: 4,3), v. 243(3): 161-173, 2019.
Paula DG; Bohlen TM; Tessaria TT; Mansano NS; Vieira HR; Gusmao DO; Wasinski, F; Donato J Jr; Frazao R. Distinct effects of growth hormone deficiency and disruption of hypothalamic kisspeptin system on reproduction of male mice. Life Sciences (FI: 5,04), v. 285 (2021) 119970.
Frazao R; Cravo, R, M; Donato, J Jr; Clegg, D; Elmquist, J; Zigman, J, M; Williams, K, W; Eias, C, F. Shift in Kiss1 cell activity requires estrogen receptor α. J. Neuroscience (FI: 4.4), v14(3):301-312, 2013

Check out more publications from the group:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Methods Used

In vivo evaluation (sexual maturation and estrous cycle)

Electrophysiology: Whole-cell patch-clamp: study of hypothalamic neuron activity

Calcium imaging: identification of factors/hormones that modulate hypothalamic neuron activity

  • Histology
  • RNA and DNA extraction

  • Real-time and quantitative PCR

  • Conventional PCR

  • Genotyping

  • Genetically modified animals

All procedures are previously approved by the Ethics Committee on Animal Use (CEUA) link:https://ww3.icb.usp.br/ceua/