On embedded control function in body

Using laser-capture single cell gene profiling, we report the presence of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) in individual gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons of the tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Multiple combinations of three GnRH receptor types were seen in individual GnRH neurons. Further, we provide evidence of the structure of two Kisspeptin genes (kiss1 and kiss2) and their two cognate receptors (kpr1 and kpr2), which are highly conserved in non-mammalian vertebrates. The kiss1 mRNA expression was observed in the ventromedial habenula and the periventricular hypothalamic nucleus, and kiss2 mRNA in the posterior tuberal nucleus and the periventricular hypothalamic nucleus. Kpr1 is expressed in GnRH1, GnRH2 and GnRH3 neurons. In addition, we show an array of genes present in single migrating GnRH neurons in the rats. The significant increase in kiss and gnrh mRNA levels at the start of the pubertal phase suggests a crucial role for kiss-kpr-gnrh in pubertal maturation. The differential expression of multiple combinations of GPCRs in individual GnRH neurons demonstrates cellular and functional heterogeneity.