SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN

Uses

Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) from human serum has been used as a spiked sample in radioimmunoassay. It may also be used to study the effects of hydroxylated estrogen metabolites (2-OH-E2 and 4-OH-E2) on the mRNA and protein expression of SHBG in MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line.

General Description

Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is secreted by the liver. It is also expressed in the endometrium, ovary and testis. SHBG is composed of 402 amino acids and the gene encoding it is localized on human chromosome 17p12–p13.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is a dimeric plasma glycoprotein with high affinity for the gonadal steroids, testosterone and estradiol. It regulates the availability of sex steroid hormones and limits their access to target cells. SHBG also inhibits estradiol-induced proliferation of breast cancer cells. Alterations in the expression of the protein have been linked to male infertility.