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GHRHR gene
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/ghrhr/

GHRHR gene

growth hormone releasing hormone receptor

Normal Function

The GHRHR gene provides instructions for making the growth hormone releasing hormone receptor. This receptor is active (expressed) on the growth-stimulating somatotropic cells in the pituitary gland. This gland is is located at the base of the brain and produces many hormones, including growth hormone. Growth hormone is necessary for the normal growth of the body's bones and tissues. The GHRHR receptor attaches (binds) to a molecule called growth hormone releasing hormone. This binding, along with the actions of other molecules, triggers the production of growth hormone and its release from the pituitary gland.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Isolated growth hormone deficiency

More than 20 mutations in the GHRHR gene have been found to cause isolated growth hormone deficiency, a condition characterized by slow growth and short stature. Mutations in the GHRHR gene cause some cases of isolated growth hormone deficiency type IB. Most of these mutations replace single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the receptor protein, preventing the production of a functional receptor. A nonfunctional receptor cannot effectively trigger the production of growth hormone or signal its release from the pituitary gland. As a result, little growth hormone is produced or available in the body in people with GHRHR gene mutations, leading to isolated growth hormone deficiency type IB.

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • GHRFR
  • GHRH receptor
  • GHRHR_HUMAN
  • GRF receptor
  • GRFR
  • growth hormone-releasing factor receptor
  • growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Alatzoglou KS, Dattani MT. Genetic causes and treatment of isolated growth hormone deficiency-an update. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2010 Oct;6(10):562-76. doi: 10.1038/nrendo.2010.147. Citation on PubMed
  • Alatzoglou KS, Turton JP, Kelberman D, Clayton PE, Mehta A, Buchanan C, Aylwin S, Crowne EC, Christesen HT, Hertel NT, Trainer PJ, Savage MO, Raza J, Banerjee K, Sinha SK, Ten S, Mushtaq T, Brauner R, Cheetham TD, Hindmarsh PC, Mullis PE, Dattani MT. Expanding the spectrum of mutations in GH1 and GHRHR: genetic screening in a large cohort of patients with congenital isolated growth hormone deficiency. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009 Sep;94(9):3191-9. doi: 10.1210/jc.2008-2783. Epub 2009 Jun 30. Citation on PubMed
  • Lin-Su K, Wajnrajch MP. Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) and the GHRH Receptor. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2002 Dec;3(4):313-23. doi: 10.1023/a:1020949507265. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed
  • Mullis PE. Genetic control of growth. Eur J Endocrinol. 2005 Jan;152(1):11-31. doi: 10.1530/eje.1.01797. Citation on PubMed
  • Mullis PE. Genetics of isolated growth hormone deficiency. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol. 2010;2(2):52-62. doi: 10.4274/jcrpe.v2i2.52. Epub 2010 May 1. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central

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