Paxillin Regulates Androgen Receptor Expression Associated With Granulosa Cell Focal Adhesions

This study investigates the role of paxillin in regulating androgen receptor (AR) expression in granulosa cells (GCs), which are important for fertility and are affected by androgen actions. The research shows that knocking down paxillin in human granulosa-derived KGN cells and knocking out paxillin in mouse primary GCs reduces AR protein levels but not mRNA levels. Paxillin appears to stabilize AR protein by recruiting it to the GC membrane, protecting it from degradation. In a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), paxillin knockout led to partial restoration of estrous cycles and increased estradiol production, suggesting that paxillin deletion may mitigate the effects of androgen excess. These findings propose paxillin as a potential target for managing androgen-related disorders like PCOS in women.