Novel recombinant gonadotropins

The gonadotropin hormones chorionic gonadotropin, luteinizing hormone and f ollicle-stimulating hormone are heterodimers that consist of a common alpha subunit noncovalently associated with a hormone-specific beta subunit, Sit e-directed mutagenesis and gene transfer techniques have been invaluable to ols for elucidating structure-function determinants of these hormones. Here , we review how questions about the structural biology of these glycoprotei n hormones have provided crucial information for creating analogs (agonists and antagonists) that can he used to treat infertility in the clinic. The ability to manipulate the protein structure of these hormones will enable t he engineering of both long- and short-acting therapeutic agents.