Follitropin subunit beta
approvedAlso known as: Follicle-stimulating hormone beta subunit, Follitropin beta chain, FSHB, P01225
Follitropin subunit beta (FSHB) is the beta chain of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a pituitary glycoprotein essential for reproductive function. It forms a non-covalent heterodimer with the common alpha subunit (CGA) to produce biologically active FSH. The beta subunit confers receptor-binding specificity, enabling the hormone to interact with the FSH receptor on ovarian granulosa cells and testicular Sertoli cells, thereby regulating folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, and spermatogenesis. Key research findings confirm that FSHB expression is tightly regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadal steroids, and its structural integrity is critical for dimerization and bioactivity. Genetic variants in FSHB are associated with altered fertility outcomes, including delayed puberty and ovarian dysfunction. As an approved therapeutic, recombinant FSH (containing FSHB) is widely used in assisted reproductive technology for controlled ovarian stimulation and in treating hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Clinically, FSHB-based preparations are standard for ovulation induction and in vitro fertilization protocols. Their efficacy and safety are well-established, with dosing tailored to individual patient responses. Ongoing research explores FSHB polymorphisms to predict treatment outcomes and optimize fertility management. For research purposes only — not medical advice.
Key data
MKTLQFFFLFCCWKAICCNSCELTNITIAIEKEECRFCISINTTWCAGYCYTRDLVYKDPARPKIQKTCTFKELVYETVRVPGCAHHADSLYTYPVATQCHCGKCDSDSTDCTVRGLGPSYCSFGEMKEMechanism of action
Together with the alpha chain CGA constitutes follitropin, the follicle-stimulating hormone, and provides its biological specificity to the hormone heterodimer. Binds FSHR, a G protein-coupled receptor, on target cells to activate downstream signaling pathways (PubMed:24692546, PubMed:2494176). Follitropin is involved in follicle development and spermatogenesis in reproductive organs (PubMed:407105, PubMed:8220432)
Research & studies
12 plasma proteins were associated with ovarian cancer or its subtypes at a stringent significance threshold.; FSHB showed a robust association with endometrioid ovarian cancer (OR 2.41 per SD).; Associations for 11 other proteins were potentially due to pleiotropy from ABO or MAPT-AS1 loci.; Potential drug targets were identified for follitropin receptor and eight other proteins.
134 plasma proteins were significantly associated with osteoporosis, including sclerostin (SOST), adiponectin (ADIPOQ), and creatine kinase B-type (CKB).; Mendelian randomization supported causal relationships between 17 plasma proteins and osteoporosis.; A predictive model using 10 proteins achieved AUC of 0.803 for forecasting osteoporosis onset up to 5 years ahead.; Three osteoporosis-related protein modules were identified, linked to immunity, lipid metabolism, and follicle-stimulating hormone regulation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Follitropin subunit beta?
Follitropin subunit beta (FSHB) is the beta chain of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a pituitary glycoprotein essential for reproductive function. It forms a non-covalent heterodimer with the common alpha subunit (CGA) to produce biologically active FSH. The beta subunit confers receptor-binding specificity, enabli
How does Follitropin subunit beta work?
Together with the alpha chain CGA constitutes follitropin, the follicle-stimulating hormone, and provides its biological specificity to the hormone heterodimer. Binds FSHR, a G protein-coupled receptor, on target cells to activate downstream signaling pathways (PubMed:24692546, PubMed:2494176). Follitropin is involved in follicle development and spermatogenesis in reproductive organs (PubMed:40710
What is the research status of Follitropin subunit beta?
Follitropin subunit beta is currently classified as approved, with 2 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.
What is the molecular weight of Follitropin subunit beta?
Follitropin subunit beta has a molecular weight of approximately 14700 g/mol.
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