ESPE Yearbook of Paediatric Endocrinology

To read the full abstract: J Neuroendocrinol. 2018; 30(7): e12589

Classically, the re-awakening of the GnRH system around puberty is considered to be under the control of a variety of genes that work in coordinated networks operating in the hypothalamus¹. Very recent evidence suggests that a dual mechanism of epigenetic regulation affecting the transcriptional activity of neurons involved in stimulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone release plays a fundamental role in the timing of puberty. The interaction between epigenetic activation and repression of gene transcription seems to be the core of a process by which epigenetic mechanisms are able to modulate the development of the pubertal process. Further studies will be needed to identify how epigenetic pathways convey information from a wide range of environmental signals to hypothalamic neurons regulating the onset of puberty.

1. Ojeda SR, Lomniczi A. Puberty in 2013: Unravelling the mystery of puberty. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2014 Feb;10(2):67-9.