Ghr, the growth hormone receptor, is a membrane-bound receptor belonging to the class I cytokine receptor superfamily. When growth hormone (GH) binds to Ghr, it initiates multiple processes including cell differentiation, maturation, anabolism, and proliferation. It is also involved in the GH-GHR-IGF1 axis, which activates the synthesis of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) via the JAK2/STAT5 pathway, playing significant roles in somatic growth, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, division, and survival [1,3]. Genetic models, like gene knockout mouse models, are valuable for studying Ghr.

In GHR-/-mice, despite being obese, they show decreased body weight and are protected from obesity-related white adipose tissue inflammation, with modest and depot-specific changes to immune cell populations in intra-abdominal white adipose tissue depots [4]. In another study, knockdown of Ghr in HCC cells enhanced their sensitivity to sorafenib, likely due to the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/ERK1/2 signaling pathway [2]. Also, silencing Ghr in gastric cancer cells inhibited cell growth and promoted apoptosis, associated with G1 cell cycle arrest and inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway [1].

In conclusion, Ghr is crucial for multiple biological functions related to growth and metabolism. Studies using Ghr knockout mouse models have revealed its role in diseases such as cancer and obesity-related inflammation. These findings enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these diseases and may provide potential therapeutic targets.