Abstract:
The function of mammalian reproductive system，a complex biological process involving multiple regulators, depends on the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis. At present, RFRP-3 is the only one inhibitor of HPG axis known at the hypothalamic level in mammals. In recent years, a large number of studies have found that RFRP-3 can inhibit GnRH and LH release in mammals by combining into the G protein coupled receptor 147(GPR147) and affect the function of reproductive system. In this review, the authors summarize the significant research advances in RFRP/GPR147 signaling pathway in mammalian species in the recent ten years. In addition, the regulatory mechanism of RFRP-3 in HPG axis and role of RFRP-3 in modulating mammalian reproductive system are systematically elaborated.

Key words: Puberty onset, RFRP-3, GnRH, LH, Reproductive system