LHCGR - Luteinizing Hormone Receptor | Elisa - Clia - Antibody - Protein

Background:

The Luteinizing Hormone Receptor (LHCGR), also known as lutropin receptor, is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) primarily expressed in the gonads, including the ovaries in females and the testes in males. It plays a central role in the reproductive system by mediating the effects of luteinizing hormone (LH) and chorionic gonadotropin (CG). LHCGR was first identified and characterized in the 1970s as the receptor for LH, a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. LHCGR shares structural and functional similarities with the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), another member of the glycoprotein hormone receptor family. Luteinizing Hormone (LH): LHCGR is primarily activated by LH, a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation. Chorionic Gonadotropin (CG) (hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy that shares structural similarities with LH), can activate LHCGR a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy that shares structural similarities with LH.I n summary, LHCGR plays essential roles in regulating reproductive function, steroidogenesis, and pregnancy support in both males and females. Dysregulation of LHCGR signaling can lead to various reproductive disorders, highlighting its importance as a therapeutic target in reproductive medicine. Further research into the structure, function, and regulation of LHCGR is needed to fully understand its roles in health and disease.

Structural Features:

LHCGR is a seven-transmembrane domain receptor, typical of GPCRs. It consists of an extracellular N-terminus, seven transmembrane helices connected by intracellular and extracellular loops, and an intracellular C-terminus. The ligand-binding pocket for LH and CG is located within the transmembrane domain.

Subtypes and Classification:

LHCGR is classified as a member of the glycoprotein hormone receptor family, which also includes the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR).

There is one known subtype of LHCGR encoded by the LHCGR gene.

Function

• In females, LHCGR activation in granulosa and theca cells of ovarian follicles stimulates steroidogenesis, follicular development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation.
• In males, LHCGR activation in Leydig cells of the testes stimulates testosterone production (steroidogenesis), which is essential for spermatogenesis and male reproductive function.
• LHCGR is involved in maintaining the corpus luteum and progesterone production during early pregnancy, supporting the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy.
• LHCGR activation contributes to the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as body hair growth and voice deepening during puberty.

Clinical Implications:

• Reproductive Disorders: Mutations or dysregulation of LHCGR can lead to reproductive disorders such as hypogonadism, infertility, and disorders of sexual development (DSD) in both males and females.
• Pregnancy Monitoring: Measurement of CG levels in maternal serum or urine is used as a diagnostic marker for pregnancy and to monitor the health of the placenta during early pregnancy.
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Excessive stimulation of LHCGR by exogenous LH or CG during assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a potentially serious complication.

Therapeutic Potential:

Infertility Treatments: Drugs targeting LHCGR, such as gonadotropin preparations containing LH or CG, are used clinically for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in infertility treatments such as IVF.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): LHCGR agonists or antagonists may have potential applications in hormone replacement therapy for conditions such as hypogonadism and menopausal symptoms.