Luteinizing hormone-choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR)

The luteinizing hormone-choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) is a membrane-bound G protein-coupled receptor that binds both luteinizing hormone (LH) and chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), triggering critical signaling pathways in reproductive tissues. Upon activation by its ligands, LHCGR initiates the cAMP/PKA signaling cascade, ultimately leading to steroidogenesis, ovulation, and spermatogenesis. It is predominantly expressed in the gonads but also found in other reproductive tissues. Mutations in the LHCGR gene are implicated in a variety of reproductive disorders in both sexes, and the receptor is a key therapeutic target for fertility treatments and hormone-responsive cancers

Other names

Luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR)Lutropin-choriogonadotropic hormone receptorLH/CGRLH/CG-RLSH-RLHRHRLGR2HHGLCGRULG5

Activation of the LHCGR by hCG or LH stimulates coupling with Gαs protein, activating adenylyl cyclase, which in turn increases intracellular cAMP; downstream activation leads to steroid hormone production, ovulation, and other reproductive processes. Some drugs may act as agonists or antagonists at this receptor