Structure and expression of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene in a marsupial, Macropus eugenii

Abstract

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is essential for folliculogenesis. The function of FSH is mediated through its receptor (FSHr) and modulation of the receptor is thought to be the mechanism by which the responsiveness of follicles to gonadotrophins is regulated. FSHr is alternatively spliced to produce several transcripts in all eutherian species studied. However, controversy exists over the significance of alternatively spliced transcripts. In this study, we cloned and characterised the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) FSHr gene and examined its expression. Comparison of gene structure and function between marsupials and eutherians enables identification of conserved features that are li..