Gonadotropins and their receptors (Gn/GnR)

Gonadotropins, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), are a family of heterodimeric glycoprotein hormones that play a fundamental role in the regulation of vertebrate reproduction [8, 14]. These hormones exert their biological effects by binding to specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs): the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) [1, 9]. In the ovaries, these interactions stimulate folliculogenesis, ovulation, and the production of estrogen and progesterone, while in the testes, they regulate spermatogenesis and testosterone synthesis [2, 10]. Clinical applications of gonadotropins and their analogs are extensive, primarily focusing on the treatment of infertility through ovulation induction and assisted reproductive technologies [7, 12]. Additionally, the gonadotropin signaling axis is a target for managing conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypogonadism, and certain hormone-sensitive malignancies like prostate and ovarian cancer [4, 16]. Safety considerations in therapeutic use include the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple gestations [14, 17].

Other names

Glycoprotein hormones and their receptorsGPHFollitropinLutropinChoriogonadotropinFSHRLHRLHCGRGonadotropin receptors

Agonism of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) to stimulate gametogenesis and steroidogenesis; modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis via GnRH analogs to indirectly regulate gonadotropin levels [7, 16].