Relaxin And Related Peptides

This comprehensive book contains the latest information on diverse biological functions of relaxin and related peptide found since the recent discovery of relaxin receptors. It also describes the evolution of relaxin family peptides and their receptors, molecular mechanisms of ligand/receptor interaction and the analysis of activated signaling pathways.

The first international forum on relaxin was a workshop held in Hawaii in 1980. This was followed by the Kroc Foundation conference in Santa Ynes, California in 1981 and then the First International Congress on the Hormone Relaxin in Florence in 1982. After a hiatus of several years, the Second International Congress on the Hormone Relaxin was held in Adelaide in 1994. Since that time, the enormous advances in molecular biology and protein chemistry have led to a stellar growth in relaxin research. Novel sites of action of the hormone have been elucidated, numerous new mammalian primary structures determined, more detailed mechanisms of action postulated, the control of relaxin secretion better understood, non-pregnant roles of the hormone identified, and, importantly, relaxin-related peptides (particularly INSL 3 and 5) identified and possible synergistic actions with relaxin proposed. A raft of novel clinical applications of relaxin has also been explored. Together, these exciting developments made the time ripe for a third international conference. We were therefore delighted to welcome many colleagues, old and new, at Relaxin 2000, the first international forum on relaxin and related peptides in the new Millennium. This conference, which we hope will now be held every four to five years, was held at the Cable Beach Inter-Continental Resort at the delightful old pearling town of Broome in the far north-west of Australia from 22-27 October, 2000.

The identification of the receptors for both relaxin and relaxin-like factor has enabled more rigorous studies of the target tissues and mechanisms of action of these hormones. This volume contains a description of advances and future research and clinical possibilities in the field of relaxin and related peptides.

Relaxin and Related Peptides discusses the established paradigms, the contradictions, and the most recent findings and future directions in the field of relaxin research. The array of diverse topics are highlighted, ranging from evolution of relaxin family peptides and receptors to their cell signaling, from the role of relaxin in reproduction to the newly discovered functions in cancer progression and in the nervous system. This book includes chapters written by well-known experts in the relaxin field who are actively involved in shaping this rapidly evolving science. The four major ongoing areas of research described in this book will likely attract investigators for years to come, since many basic scientific questions remain unanswered at this time. The availability of structural databases, new experimental techniques, and high quality hormone preparations, antibodies and other reagents enable rigorous investigation. Relaxin and Related Peptides offers a fresh perspective along with different points of view, opinions and disagreements.

Relaxin is a protein hormone, produced and secreted during pregnancy in mammalian species, having superficial structural features resembling those of insulin. Since its initial isolation from the ovaries of pregnant pigs in 1976, increasing interest in relaxin has led to increased understanding of the chemistry, synthesis, secretion, biological roles, mechanisms of action, and potential clinical applications of relaxin in humans and domestic animals. In pigs, rats, and mice, relaxin promotes growth and softening of the cervix, enabling rapid and safe delivery of the fetuses. In these species relaxin also promotes growth and development of the mammary apparatus. Recently, biological effects of relaxin in the heart, kidney, liver, and brain have been identified, and these discoveries have triggered additional interest in possible clinical applications for relaxin. In 2002, a second form of relaxin, which is found primarily in the brain, was discovered. Relaxin-like factor (also called insulin 3), which was discovered in 1993, is produced in the fetal testis and plays a major role in testicular descent during development. The recent identification of the receptors for both relaxin and relaxin-like factor has enabled more rigorous studies of the target tissues and mechanisms of action of these hormones. This volume contains a description of recent advances and future research and clinical possibilities in the field of relaxin and related peptides. NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com/nyas. ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order (www.nyas.org). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to the Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit http://www.nyas.org/MemberCenter/Join.aspx for more information about becoming a member.

Relaxin is a protein hormone, produced and secreted during pregnancy in mammalian species, having superficial structural features resembling those of insulin. Since its initial isolation from the ovaries of pregnant pigs in 1976, increasing interest in relaxin has led to increased understanding of the chemistry, synthesis, secretion, biological roles, mechanisms of action, and potential clinical applications of relaxin in humans and domestic animals. In pigs, rats, and mice, relaxin promotes growth and softening of the cervix, enabling rapid and safe delivery of the fetuses. In these species relaxin also promotes growth and development of the mammary apparatus. Recently, biological effects of relaxin in the heart, kidney, liver, and brain have been identified, and these discoveries have triggered additional interest in possible clinical applications for relaxin. In 2002, a second form of relaxin, which is found primarily in the brain, was discovered. Relaxin-like factor (also called insulin 3), which was discovered in 1993, is produced in the fetal testis and plays a major role in testicular descent during development. The recent identification of the receptors for both relaxin and relaxin-like factor has enabled more rigorous studies of the target tissues and mechanisms of action of these hormones. This volume contains a description of recent advances and future research and clinical possibilities in the field of relaxin and related peptides. NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com/nyas. ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order (www.nyas.org). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to the Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit http://www.nyas.org/MemberCenter/Join.aspx for more information about becoming a member.