Native Human Chorionic Gonadotropin beta

Biomolecules

Native Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Beta (CGB) is a hormone normally found in the blood and urine during pregnancy. Glycoprotein hormones are heterodimers consisting of a common alpha subunit and an unique beta subunit which confers biological specificity. CGB is produced by the trophoblastic cells of the placenta and stimulates the ovaries to synthesize the steroids that are essential for the maintenance of pregnancy. CGB is encoded by 6 genes which are arranged in tandem and inverted pairs on chromosome 19q13.3 and contiguous with the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) beta subunit gene. CGB may also be produced by some tumor cells. An increased level of CGB may be a sign of cancer of the testis, uterus, ovary, liver, stomach, pancreas, or lung. CGB may also be produced in response to certain conditions that are not cancer. CGB is being studied in the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma.