Paxillin Regulates Androgen Receptor Expression Associated With Granulosa Cell Focal Adhesions

The study explores the role of paxillin in regulating androgen receptor (AR) expression in granulosa cells (GCs), which are important for female fertility. Researchers found that paxillin knockdown in human KGN cells and knockout in mouse GCs reduced AR protein levels without affecting mRNA levels, suggesting post-transcriptional regulation. Paxillin appears to protect AR from degradation by recruiting it to the cell membrane, enhancing its nongenomic signaling. In a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), paxillin knockout partially protected against androgen excess, with 33% of knockout mice maintaining estrous cycles compared to none in the control group. These findings suggest that targeting paxillin could be a potential strategy for managing androgen-related disorders like PCOS in women.