Luteinizing Hormone/Choriogonadotropin Receptor (LHCGR) Antibody

Background

LHCGR is a G protein-coupled receptor activated by luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), playing a crucial role in reproductive function. It is expressed in ovarian theca and granulosa cells in females and Leydig cells in males. In females, LHCGR regulates ovulation, corpus luteum formation, and progesterone production during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. In males, LHCGR stimulates testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells, which supports spermatogenesis. LHCGR signaling activates adenylyl cyclase through Gs proteins, increasing cAMP levels and activating protein kinase A (PKA), which regulates steroidogenesis and cell proliferation. Mutations in LHCGR are linked to disorders such as precocious puberty, infertility, and hypogonadism. Overexpression of LHCGR has been observed in hormone-dependent cancers, including ovarian and testicular tumors, where it drives abnormal growth and survival. Therapeutically, LH/hCG analogs are used to treat infertility, while LHCGR antagonists are being explored for hormone-related cancers. LHCGR is vital for maintaining reproductive health and steroid hormone production.