Oliana Carnevali

Rosaria Meccariello

Hamid R. Habibi 

This Research Topic explores the functional significance of hormone receptors and the critical role of binding proteins in regulating various physiological processes. There is increasing awareness of the multifactorial nature of internal control mechanisms in controlling reproduction, growth and development, metabolism and stress. Specifically, we are interested in exploring the well-established and emerging aspects of hormones, receptors and binding protein-mediated functions in different species. We aim to explore the latest insights into different classes of hormone receptors and hormone-binding proteins as they form a complex with their respective ligand, leading to direct interaction with target tissues on multiple sites as endocrine, paracrine and autocrine regulators. This Research Topic includes the integrated actions of hormones and their interaction with the membrane and internal receptors. More recent studies proved that ligand-activated receptors, in addition to undergoing conformational changes, may also cleave to activate various intermediate molecules, leading to biochemical changes and significant biochemical changes. Studies that address these aspects are also of great interest to this special issue

Function of hormones, their receptors and binding proteins

Gilda Cobellis

SILVIA FASANO

Riccardo Pierantoni

Spermatogenesis is a process highly conserved throughout vertebrate species and is mainly under hypothalamic-pituitary control. It occurs in the testis in a stepwise fashion so that committed spermatogonia develop into spermatocytes and enter meiosis to produce round spermatids. These undergo a morphological transformation (spermiogenesis) into mature spermatids (i.e.: spermatozoa), which are differentially released from Sertoli cells (spermiation) depending on the species. In mammals, further transformations are necessary to form mature spermatozoa, suitable for fertilization. Gonadotropins, mainly responsive to gonadotropin-releasing hormone, control spermatogenesis through specific receptors located at the gonadal level. However, besides the endocrine route, the chemical mediators may also act locally in the gonad. Indeed, it is documented that testis physiology, including steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, does not fully account for traditional endocrine control but an intragonadal network of autocrine and/or paracrine regulators also exists, whose activity, via cell-to-cell communication, regulates germ cell progression and development of qualitatively mature spermatozoa. Of note, a number of testicular modulators, such as gonadotropin releasing hormone, Kiss-peptin, endocannabinoids, has been early isolated in the brain and latest in the gonads. To fully understand precise mechanisms underlying the functional interaction of this intricate network, needless to say, it is crucially required to have detailed information about modulators and target cells. Through synergy between the respective specializations of all the authors, this topic reviewed emerging knowledge about neuroendocrine and local mediators controlling germ cell progression and maturation.

Modulators of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis for the control of spermatogenesis and sperm quality in vertebrates

Rosanna Chianese

This book provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge of cannabinoid activity in human physiology and points out the importance of endocannabinoid system for the maintenance of human health and treatment of diseases. Each chapter has been organized with the aim to cover basic concepts in the modulation of endocannabinoid system in both physiological and pathological conditions, thanks to the integration of data from experimental animal models and clinical observations. A special focus has been put on the medical use of cannabinoids and on the targeting of endocannabinoid system as new therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of human diseases. Taken together, this book targets a wide audience of basic and clinical scientists, teachers and students interested in gaining a better understanding in the field of cannabinoids.

Rosaria Meccariello

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