Description
Product Characteristics: Pituitary growth hormone (GH) plays a crucial role in stimulating and controlling the growth, metabolism and differentiation of many mammalian cell types by modulating the synthesis of multiple mRNA species. These effects are mediated by the binding of GH to its membrane-bound receptor, GHR, and involve a phosphorylation cascade that results in the modulation of numerous signaling pathways. GH is synthesized by acidophilic or somatotropic cells of the anterior pituitary gland. Anti-GH is a useful marker in classification of pituitary tumors and the study of pituitary disease (acromegaly).
Target Information: The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the somatotropin/prolactin family of hormones which play an important role in growth control. The gene, along with four other related genes, is located at the growth hormone locus on chromosome 17 where they are interspersed in the same transcriptional orientation\, an arrangement which is thought to have evolved by a series of gene duplications. The five genes share a remarkably high degree of sequence identity. Alternative splicing generates additional isoforms of each of the five growth hormones, leading to further diversity and potential for specialization. This particular family member is expressed in the pituitary but not in placental tissue as is the case for the other four genes in the growth hormone locus. Mutations in or deletions of the gene lead to growth hormone deficiency and short stature. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]