Beta subunit of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG is a complex glycoprotein composed of two glycosylated subunits alpha and beta which are non-covalently associated. The alpha subunit is identical to those in the pituitary gonadotropin hormones (LH, FSH and TSH). The beta subunits are distinct in each of the hormones and confer receptor and biological specificity. Has an essential role for pregnancy and maternal adaptation. Stimulates the ovaries to synthesize the steroids that are essential for the maintenance of pregnancy. Heterodimer of a common alpha chain identical in LH, FSH, TSH and HCG and a unique beta chain distinct in each of the hormones and confers receptor and biological specificity. High expression in the placenta throughout pregnancy. Expressed in the placenta throughout pregnancy. Encoded by a cluster of genes that have evolved by duplication from LHB. HCG-beta is encoded by six non-allelic genes (CGB) clustered on chromosome 19q13.3 and named CGB1, CGB2, CGB3, CGB5, CGB7 and CGB8. Two specific hCGb proteins that differ by three amino acids in positions 2,4 and 117 have been described: type 1 (CGB7) and type 2 (CGB3, CGB5, CGB8). The CGB gene first arose in the common ancestor of the anthropoid primates. Belongs to the glycoprotein hormones subunit beta family.