Glycoprotein hormones (GPHs) are the most complex molecules with hormonal activity. They exist only in vertebrates but the genes encoding their subunits' ancestors are found in most vertebrate and invertebrate species although their roles are still unknown. In the present report, we review the available structural and functional data concerning GPHs and their subunits' ancestors.
Keywords: evolution; follicle-stimulating hormone; glycoprotein hormones; luteinizing hormone; molecular; structure–activity relationship; thyroid-stimulating hormone.