Novel recombinant gonadotropins.
The gonadotropin hormones chorionic gonadotropin, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone are heterodimers that consist of a common alpha subunit noncovalently associated with a hormone-specific beta subunit. Site-directed mutagenesis and gene transfer techniques have been invaluable tools for elucidating structure-function determinants of these hormones. Here, we review how questions about the structural biology of these glycoprotein hormones have provided crucial information for creating analogs (agonists and antagonists) that can be used to treat infertility in the clinic. The ability to manipulate the protein structure of these hormones will enable the engineering of both long- and short-acting therapeutic agents.
Garcia-Campayo
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Dept Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Boime
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I
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D019281:Dimerization; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000628:therapy; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D008958:Models, Molecular; D016296:Mutagenesis; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone