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Glycoprotein gonadotropins. Structure and synthesis.
1Department of Chemistry, University of Birmingham.
Acta Endocrinologica. Supplementum
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Human glycoprotein hormones like FSH, LH, CG, and TSH share common structures. Their carbohydrate chains are vital for biological activity, with genetic engineering offering future synthesis possibilities.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Four human glycoprotein hormones (FSH, LH, CG, TSH) share structural similarities, each composed of a common alpha-subunit and a specific beta-subunit.
- These hormones play crucial roles in various physiological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural characteristics of human glycoprotein hormones.
- To discuss the role of carbohydrate moieties in their biological activity.
- To explore the potential of genetic engineering for synthesizing these hormones.
Main Methods:
- Protein sequencing to determine amino acid sequences.
- cDNA base sequencing to confirm encoding polypeptide units.
- Sequence analysis to infer subunit and receptor binding structures.
Main Results:
- Established amino acid and cDNA sequences for FSH, LH, CG, and TSH subunits.
- Identified asparagine-linked and O-glycosidically linked carbohydrate chains.
- Highlighted the essential role of carbohydrates for hormone biological activity.
Conclusions:
- The structural analysis provides insights into subunit and receptor interactions.
- Carbohydrate composition is critical for the function of these glycoprotein hormones.
- Genetic engineering presents a promising avenue for future synthesis of these vital hormones.