Compound Profile
What Is HCG? Research Use Only
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, CAS 9002-61-3) is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone with a molecular weight of approximately 36,700 Da. It is classified as a gonadotropin and is studied in research contexts for its binding interactions with the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR). Sequence Labs supplies lyophilized HCG as a research compound for in vitro and preclinical model applications only.
Alpha Subunit
92 Amino Acids — Shared Subunit
The alpha subunit of HCG is identical to those found in LH (luteinizing hormone), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). This conserved structure is studied in the context of shared receptor family interactions across gonadotropin research models.
Beta Subunit
145 Amino Acids — HCG-Specific
The beta subunit is unique to HCG and contains a C-terminal peptide (CTP) extension not present in LH. This distinct structure, along with its extensive glycosylation pattern, is a key subject of LHCGR binding selectivity research and receptor activation kinetics in preclinical models.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Human Chorionic Gonadotropin |
| CAS Number | 9002-61-3 |
| Classification | Glycoprotein hormone — gonadotropin family |
| Molecular Weight | ~36,700 Da (glycoprotein, carbohydrate ~30% of mass) |
| Structure | Heterodimer: α-subunit (92 aa) + β-subunit (145 aa) |
| Receptor Target | LHCGR (LH/CG receptor) |
| Endogenous Source | Syncytiotrophoblast cells (placenta) in gestating mammals |
| Physical Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Reconstitution Solvent | Bacteriostatic water (research standard) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: −20°C / Reconstituted research sample: 2–8°C |
| Testing | HPLC + Mass Spectrometry (Krause Analytical) |
| Research Use | For research use only. Not for human use. |
Research Classification: HCG is a naturally occurring endogenous glycoprotein produced in placental tissue. In the research context, it is classified as a gonadotropin receptor agonist and is studied for its interactions with the LHCGR under in vitro and preclinical conditions. Sequence Labs supplies HCG exclusively as a research compound for qualified researchers. For research use only. Not for human use.
Research Background
Peer-Reviewed Research Areas
Published research has examined HCG across several areas involving LHCGR binding, gonadal steroidogenesis pathways, and placental biology. The following areas represent documented research disciplines covered in the peer-reviewed literature.
Area 01
LHCGR Receptor Mechanism Research
Peer-reviewed literature has investigated HCG's binding kinetics at the LH/CG receptor (LHCGR), a G protein-coupled receptor. Research has examined receptor occupancy, downstream cAMP signaling cascades, and structural determinants of agonist selectivity between HCG and LH at this receptor in cell-based research models.
Area 02
Gonadal Steroidogenesis Pathway Research in Preclinical Models
Published research has examined LHCGR activation and downstream steroidogenesis signaling pathways in preclinical model systems. Investigators have studied the role of gonadotropin receptor signaling in regulating enzymes involved in the steroid biosynthesis cascade within gonadal tissue preparations.
Area 03
Luteal Function Research in Animal Models
Peer-reviewed literature has investigated the role of gonadotropin signaling in luteal cell maintenance and function using rodent and other preclinical animal models. Published research has examined the molecular mechanisms underlying corpus luteum biology in response to LH/CG receptor stimulation.
Area 04
Placental Trophoblast Research
HCG is produced endogenously by syncytiotrophoblast cells. Published research has investigated the autocrine and paracrine roles of HCG signaling in trophoblast biology, placental development signaling pathways, and placentation research in cell culture and preclinical model systems.
Area 05
Gonadotropin Signaling Pathway Research
Peer-reviewed literature has investigated the broader gonadotropin signaling network, including crosstalk between LHCGR and other receptor systems, downstream MAPK and PKA pathway activation, and comparative binding studies between HCG, LH, and synthetic gonadotropin analogs in preclinical research contexts.
Sequence Labs Supply
HCG Research Compound — Available Sizes
Sequence Labs supplies HCG as a lyophilized powder in two research sizes, independently tested by Krause Analytical using HPLC and mass spectrometry. COA is accessible via Finnrick Pulse and has been reviewed by Sabrina Runbeck, PA-C.
Standard Size
HCG — 5000 IU
Lyophilized Powder
Lyophilized Powder
$55
- 5000 International Units per vial
- Lyophilized powder — stable at −20°C
- HPLC + MS verified purity
- COA on file — Krause Analytical
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water
- For research use only
Tested by Krause Analytical — HPLC + MS
COA via Finnrick Pulse
Reviewed by Sabrina Runbeck, PA-C
Research Size
HCG — 10000 IU
Lyophilized Powder
Lyophilized Powder
$85
- 10000 International Units per vial
- Lyophilized powder — stable at −20°C
- HPLC + MS verified purity
- COA on file — Krause Analytical
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water
- For research use only
Tested by Krause Analytical — HPLC + MS
COA via Finnrick Pulse
Reviewed by Sabrina Runbeck, PA-C
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Lyophilized Research Sample Note: HCG research compound is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder to maximize shelf stability. Before use in any research application, the research sample must be reconstituted by introducing bacteriostatic water as solvent. See the Reconstitution Reference section below. All Sequence Labs HCG is for research use only. Not for human use.
Reconstitution Reference
Solvent Introduction Reference — Lyophilized HCG
The following reference describes the standard process for introducing solvent to lyophilized HCG research samples. This information is provided for qualified researchers. For research use only. Not for human use.
1
Prepare Bacteriostatic Water
Use sterile bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) as the reconstitution solvent for HCG research samples. Bacteriostatic water is the research-standard solvent for lyophilized glycoprotein compounds, providing stability for the reconstituted research sample.
2
Clean the Vial Septum
Using standard laboratory aseptic technique, wipe the rubber septum of the HCG research vial with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allow to dry before introducing solvent. Maintain sterility throughout.
3
Introduce Solvent to Research Sample
Draw the desired volume of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe and direct the solvent gently along the inner wall of the vial — not directly onto the lyophilized powder. This reduces mechanical disruption of the glycoprotein structure during reconstitution.
4
Gently Swirl to Dissolve
Gently swirl the vial — do not vortex or shake vigorously. HCG is a glycoprotein and may be denatured by aggressive agitation. Allow the lyophilized material to dissolve fully before proceeding with the research application.
5
Store Reconstituted Research Sample
Reconstituted HCG research samples should be stored at 2–8°C (refrigerated) and used within 30 days for optimal stability. Lyophilized (unopened) vials should be stored at −20°C away from direct light and moisture.
Research Use Reminder: This reconstitution reference is provided strictly for qualified researchers working within a laboratory or preclinical research context. Sequence Labs HCG research compound is for research use only. Not for human use. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Research Context
HCG vs. LH — LHCGR Binding Research Context
Research Compound
HCG
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Alpha Subunit
92 amino acids (shared)
Beta Subunit
145 amino acids + C-terminal peptide extension
Receptor Target
LHCGR (LH/CG receptor)
Glycosylation
Heavily glycosylated (~30% carbohydrate by mass)
Half-Life (preclinical)
~24–36 hours (extended)
Signaling Pattern
Sustained LHCGR activation in research models
Endogenous Source
Syncytiotrophoblast (placenta)
Reference Endogenous Hormone
LH
Luteinizing Hormone
Luteinizing Hormone
Alpha Subunit
92 amino acids (shared)
Beta Subunit
121 amino acids — no CTP extension
Receptor Target
LHCGR (same receptor)
Glycosylation
Less glycosylated vs. HCG
Half-Life (preclinical)
~60 minutes (pulsatile)
Signaling Pattern
Pulsatile LHCGR activation pattern
Endogenous Source
Anterior pituitary gonadotroph cells
Both HCG and LH bind to the same LHCGR but differ substantially in beta-subunit structure, glycosylation pattern, and resulting pharmacokinetic behavior in preclinical research models. Published research has examined these structural differences as a research tool for investigating sustained versus pulsatile gonadotropin receptor activation. This comparison is provided for research informational purposes only. For research use only. Not for human use.
Research Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)?
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, CAS 9002-61-3) is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone with a molecular weight of approximately 36,700 Da. It shares an alpha subunit of 92 amino acids with LH, FSH, and TSH, but possesses a unique beta subunit of 145 amino acids that includes a C-terminal peptide extension. In research contexts, HCG is studied primarily for its binding affinity to the LH/CG receptor (LHCGR) and its role in gonadotropin signaling pathways. Sequence Labs supplies HCG as a lyophilized research compound for qualified researchers. For research use only. Not for human use.
How does HCG differ from LH in a research context?
Both HCG and LH bind to the LHCGR, but published research has examined key structural differences: HCG carries a C-terminal peptide (CTP) extension on its beta subunit and exhibits substantially greater glycosylation (~30% carbohydrate by mass vs. LH's lower glycosylation). Peer-reviewed literature has investigated how these structural differences contribute to a markedly longer serum half-life for HCG (~24–36 hours) compared to LH (~60 minutes) in preclinical models. These properties make HCG a useful research tool for studying sustained versus pulsatile LHCGR receptor activation in laboratory settings.
What sizes of HCG research compound does Sequence Labs carry?
Sequence Labs carries HCG research compound in two sizes: 5000 IU (~$55) and 10000 IU (~$85), both supplied as lyophilized powder vials. Both sizes have been tested by Krause Analytical (HPLC + MS) with COA accessible via Finnrick Pulse and reviewed by Sabrina Runbeck, PA-C.
How is Sequence Labs HCG tested and verified?
Each batch of HCG research compound is independently tested by Krause Analytical using both High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS). This dual-method verification approach confirms both purity and molecular identity. Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for each batch are accessible via the Finnrick Pulse COA platform and have been reviewed by Sabrina Runbeck, PA-C. COAs are available at coa.html.
How is HCG research compound reconstituted for research use?
HCG research compound is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. To prepare a research sample, introduce bacteriostatic water as the solvent by directing it gently along the inner wall of the vial using standard aseptic technique. Do not vortex. Gently swirl to dissolve. Reconstituted research samples should be stored at 2–8°C and used within 30 days. This reconstitution reference is for qualified researchers only. For research use only. Not for human use.
Is Sequence Labs HCG for human use?
No. Sequence Labs HCG is strictly for research use only. It is not for human use, not for veterinary use, and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. HCG from Sequence Labs is intended exclusively for qualified researchers and licensed professionals conducting in vitro or preclinical research within an appropriate research setting.
Source HCG Research Compound
5000 IU and 10000 IU. HPLC + MS tested by Krause Analytical. COA via Finnrick Pulse. Reviewed by Sabrina Runbeck, PA-C. For research use only.