Chorionic gonadotropin subunit beta 5 (CGB5)

Chorionic gonadotropin subunit beta 5 (CGB5) encodes the beta 5 subunit of chorionic gonadotropin, a glycoprotein hormone unique to primates and essential for the maintenance of pregnancy[1][3][5]. It forms, along with a common alpha chain, the active human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) molecule produced by trophoblastic cells in the placenta. The specificity of hCG's biological action (such as signal transduction via the LH/CG receptor in ovarian cells) is conferred by this beta subunit. CGB5 has major roles in supporting ovarian progesterone production, modulating maternal immune response, and promoting trophoblast and placental development. Aberrant or ectopic expression of its free beta subunit (not incorporated in hCG) is found in diverse cancers and can serve as a biomarker or active growth promoter in malignancy. Multiple medications are derived from hCG, exploiting its luteinizing hormone-mimicking properties in fertility treatments. The gene is located on human chromosome 19 (19q13.3), with several closely related paralogs forming the hCG beta subunit gene cluster[1][2][3][5].

Other names

Chorionic gonadotropin, beta polypeptide 5CGB5hCGBHuman chorionic gonadotropin beta subunit 5Chorionic gonadotropin beta subunit 5HCG beta subunit 5

Agonism of the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin (LH/CG) receptor to stimulate ovarian steroidogenesis and ovulation[4][5] - Mimicking luteinizing hormone action