Invitrogen™ Growth Hormone Monoclonal Antibody (GhB9)

Human growth hormone (hGH) is a member of the somatotropin/prolactin family of hormones which play an important role in growth control. The GH1 gene, along with 4 additional related genes, is located at the growth hormone locus on chromosome 17. The five genes share a remarkably high degree of sequence identity. Alternative splicing results in 5 isoforms ranging from approximately 19 kDa to 24 kDa. HGH is produced by the somatotroph cells in the pituitary. It acts through binding to membrane receptors that belong to the cytokine receptor subfamily. Its major role in stimulating body growth is to stimulate the liver and other tissues to secrete IGF-1. It stimulates both the differentiation and proliferation of myoblasts. It also stimulates amino acid uptake and protein synthesis in muscle and other tissues. Mutations or deletions in the gene lead to growth hormone deficiency and short stature.