Chorionic gonadotropin subunit beta 7 (CGB7)

Chorionic gonadotropin subunit beta 7 (CGB7) is a protein encoded by the CGB7 gene, one of several beta subunit family members that form human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)[1][3]. hCG is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone consisting of a common alpha subunit (shared with other glycoprotein hormones) and a unique beta subunit, the latter conferring biological specificity[1][5]. Beta-hCG is crucial for the recognition and maintenance of early pregnancy, stimulating the ovaries to produce steroids needed to sustain gestation[1][3][5]. CGB7, together with other beta subunit genes (CGB3, CGB5, CGB8), is expressed primarily in placental trophoblastic cells, but also displays distinct tissue expression likely due to differences in regulatory sequences such as p53-responsive promoters[2]. Functionally, CGB7 forms part of the hCG hormone that acts through the LHCGR receptor to maintain the corpus luteum and support progesterone synthesis[5]. Levels of the beta-hCG subunit serve as biomarkers in pregnancy and certain malignancies such as choriocarcinoma and germ cell tumors[5]. CGB7 itself is not a therapeutic target per se, but pharmaceuticals utilize the hCG heterodimer containing the CGB7 (or homologous) subunits for reproductive medicine indications[5].

Other names

Choriogonadotropin subunit beta 7CG-beta-aCGB6chorionic gonadotropin beta 7 subunitchorionic gonadotropin beta subunit 7chorionic gonadotropin, beta polypeptide 7CGB7

Agonist of luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) when part of the hCG heterodimer, leading to stimulation of corpus luteum, progesterone production, maintaining pregnancy[5]