LHCGR phamacodynamic effects during follicular maturation.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are glycoprotein hormones that regulate human reproduction. Although they bind the same G protein-coupled membrane receptor (LHCGR) and have high percentage of structural identity, recent advances demonstrate that they mediate different signaling pattern according to their separate physiological roles. This review explores the role of LHCGR in determining the evolutionary, genetic, and physiological differences between LH and hCG. Some of these differences were revealed by mutations of the receptors, allowing the identification of LH- and hCG-specific functions in women and men. This knowledge is useful to optimize the use of molecules in clinical practice, aiming toward personalized therapies.