Signaling pathways of the LGR7 and LGR8 receptors determined by reporter genes

Although much is known about the pleiotropic effects mediated by relaxin, the exact signaling pathways involved remain relatively elusive. This study examines LGR7 and LGR8 signaling using reporter gene technology. The greatest response was observed at the CRE reporter (indicates activation of cAMP-PKA and p38/JNK pathways), although INSL3 treatment of LGR8 produced a lower response than H2 relaxin treatment of LGR7. AP1 (which indicates activation of JNK pathways) was stimulated to a lesser degree. Three other reporters produced no response. The reporter gene studies suggest that ligand stimulation of LGR7 and LGR8 involves cAMP-PKA and p38/JNK signaling.