Creative Biolabs is a world-leading service provider for antibody discovery and development. Based on our extensive experience and advanced technology platforms, we have launched our IVD antibody & immunoassay development services targeting a broad range of disease biomarkers, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a biomarker of pregnancy and cancers.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the embryo following implantation. It is a glycoprotein composed of 237 amino acids with a molecular weight of 36.7 kDa. hCG has two subunits: α and β subunit. The hCGα contains 92 amino acids with a molecular weight of 14.5 kDa while hCGβ contains 145 amino acids with a molecular weight of 22.2 kDa. The functions of hCG include: 1) Interacts with the LHCG receptor of the ovary and promotes the maintenance of the corpus luteum during the beginning of pregnancy; 2) Prenatal protection of the fetus in early pregnancy via repelling the immune cells from mother; 3) Induction of the ovulation and testosterone production in the testis; 4) Plays a role in cell proliferation and differentiation.
Fig.1 Schematic view of the actions of different forms of hCG during pregnancy and in non-pregnant woman.1
hCG has been used as a biomarker for detection and monitoring of pregnancy and pregnancy-related disorders. Besides, it also plays an important role in other pathological conditions, such as cancers. It has been reported that hCG was involved in many human cancers, including choriocarcinoma, germ cell cancer, teratomas, blastomas, leukemias, and lymphomas. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that these tumors secrete primarily hyperglycosylated hCG (hCG-H)，which is a form of hCG with larger carbohydrate side chains that the O-linked oligosaccharides are different in normal pregnancy and choriocarcinoma. This is the possible mechanism that hCG promotes tumor cell growth. Moreover, some tumors or cancers produce only hCGβ subunit, and elevated serum levels of hCGβ are strongly associated with poor prognosis.
Creative Biolabs has extensive experience in the whole process of diagnostic kit and method development, with expertise in antigen design, antibody generation, recombinant protein expression, antibody conjugation, and a wide range of immunodiagnostic technology platforms. We can work with our clients to develop immunoassays to meet their exact requirements. We offer a full start to finish service, including but not limited to:
Please feel free to contact us for more information and discuss your project needs.
Reference
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