Recombinant Human SHBG protein (GST tag N-Terminus)

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

The protein sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) also known as testosterone-estradiol binding globulin (TEBG) plays an important role in binding and transporting sex steroids in the bloodstream. This glycoprotein has a mass of approximately 90 kDa. SHBG is produced mainly in the liver but it is also expressed in other tissues such as the testes ovaries and placenta. It regulates the availability of sex hormones to tissues and influences their bioactivity at the cellular level.

Biological function summary

SHBG regulates the levels of circulating androgens and estrogens by binding tightly to testosterone and estradiol. This binding inhibits the hormones from interacting with their receptors until they are released therefore controlling their action. SHBG can exist as a monomer but often forms a homodimer complex. In addition to binding sex hormones SHBG also interacts with membrane receptors and may participate in the direct signaling pathways that modulate cellular responses.

Pathways

SHBG plays a role in the regulation of the steroid hormone pathway and is related to the transport and metabolic clearance of sex hormones. This pathway involves transformation and transportation of estrogens and androgens affecting genes regulated by these hormones. SHBG interacts with various proteins including albumin which assists in hormone transport and it might influence the androgen receptor pathway altering cell proliferation and differentiation signals.

SHBG levels influence conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and type 2 diabetes. In PCOS lower levels of SHBG can result in greater circulating free testosterone which may exacerbate symptoms. In the context of type 2 diabetes alterations in SHBG levels may affect insulin resistance possibly linked with insulin and glucose transport proteins. Understanding the dynamics of SHBG could aid in the development of therapeutic strategies targeting these conditions.