CGB Human

The CGB gene is located on chromosome 19q13.3 and is part of a cluster of six highly homologous genes arranged in tandem and inverted pairs . These genes are structurally similar and are contiguous with the luteinizing hormone beta (LHB) subunit gene . The CGB gene family is distinguished by differences in the 5’ untranscribed region, which affects their regulation and expression.

The CGB protein itself is composed of 145 amino acids and forms a heterodimer with the alpha subunit of hCG. This heterodimer is essential for the biological activity of hCG, which includes stimulating the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum during early pregnancy .

Recombinant human CGB is produced using various expression systems, including glycoengineered Pichia pastoris and mammalian cell lines . These systems are designed to produce glycoproteins with human-like post-translational modifications, ensuring that the recombinant protein closely mimics the natural form found in the human body .

The recombinant production of CGB involves inserting the CGB gene into the host organism’s genome, allowing it to produce the protein. The protein is then purified and characterized to ensure its quality and functionality. This process is crucial for producing large quantities of CGB for research and therapeutic purposes.

Recombinant human CGB has several important applications:

1. Medical Diagnostics: CGB is widely used in pregnancy tests due to its presence in the urine and blood of pregnant women. Elevated levels of hCG can also be indicative of certain types of cancers, making it a valuable biomarker in oncology.
2. Therapeutics: Recombinant hCG is used in fertility treatments to induce ovulation and support early pregnancy. It is also used in certain cancer treatments to stimulate the production of testosterone in men with hypogonadism.
3. Research: Recombinant CGB is used in various research applications to study its role in reproduction, cancer, and other physiological processes.