Abstract
This case study introduces students to glycoscience through the lens of reproductive physiology and endocrine regulation. Although glycosylation plays critical roles in biological regulation, it is rarely incorporated into undergraduate life science instruction outside of specialized glycobiology courses. This case study focuses on luteinizing hormone (LH), a glycosylated hormone essential for reproductive function to help students connect glycosylation to broader principles in biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, endocrinology, and molecular biology. Through an interrupted, data-driven narrative, students investigate why a student experiencing chronic stress and low energy availability develops menstrual dysfunction. As the case unfolds, students analyze datasets including hormone profiles, protein structure, receptor signaling assays, and mass spectrometry data. Using these data, students determine how altered glycosylation affects LH bioactivity and downstream hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian signaling. The case emphasizes structure–function relationships, systems-level thinking, and scientific reasoning through active-learning strategies and collaborative discussion. By framing glycosylation as a core regulator of protein function rather than an isolated topic, this case provides instructors with an approachable way for integrating glycoscience into a wide range of undergraduate life science courses.

