# Role of the Transcription Factor Nhlh2 in the Development and Function of Kiss1 Neurons

> **NIH NIH R21** · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · 2020 · $211,110

## Abstract

SUMMARY
The hypothalamic Kiss1 neurons control gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release
through the secretion of kisspeptins. Kiss1 neurons serve as a nodal center to convey regulatory
cues that determine the attainment and maintenance of reproductive function. Despite this critical
role, little is known regarding the mechanisms that ultimately impinge kisspeptin synthesis and
release. In our preliminary data using Drop-Seq of arcuate neurons from adult mice, we have
identified Nhlh2 as a highly Kiss1 neuron-specific transcription factor (TF) of the basic helix-loop-
helix family. Moreover, this TF is inhibited in conditions of negative energy balance, in line with
the regulation of the Kiss1 gene. In addition, JASPAR analysis has revealed 12 potential binding
sites of Nhlh2 within the 5’UTR of the Kiss1 promoter. Based on these findings, we hypothesize
that Nhlh2 may play a crucial role in the development and function of Kiss1 neurons postnatally,
as well as in the regulation of kisspeptin synthesis by metabolic factors. To test this hypothesis,
we aim to characterize the role of Nhlh2 in Kiss1 neurons through: a) the study of the expression
profile of Nhlh2 in the hypothalamus (especially in Kiss1 neurons) across postnatal development;
b) ablation of Nhlh2 expression from Kiss1 neurons using Kiss1-cre:Nhlh2fl/fl mice to characterize
the reproductive and metabolic role of Nhlh2 in Kiss1 neurons in vivo; and c) confirming the
recruitment to the Kiss1 promoter and the enhancer action of Nhlh2 through chromatin-
immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays and in vitro luciferase assays. Altogether, the successful
completion of this proposal would significantly contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms
that control kisspeptin synthesis, which may lead to the development of new strategies to treat
reproductive disorders, such as delayed puberty onset, polycystic ovarian syndrome or hormone-
related cancers.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9930627
- **Project number:** 5R21HD095383-02
- **Recipient organization:** BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Victor Manuel Navarro
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $211,110
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-05-16 → 2021-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9930627

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9930627, Role of the Transcription Factor Nhlh2 in the Development and Function of Kiss1 Neurons (5R21HD095383-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-11 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9930627. Licensed CC0.

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