Abstract
The calcitonin (CT) gene family of peptides belong to a complex series of ligands, receptors, and coreceptors that regulate a broad spectrum of physiological functions that include skeletal remodeling, blood pressure control, neural transmission in both the central and peripheral nervous system, cardiovascular development, and development of the lymphatic system. This system, modified by evolutionary pressure, is present in a broad spectrum of species, is expressed very early in development and has important roles in normal mammalian development. This chapter focuses primarily on the role of the calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related family of peptides in bone, also providing an overview of current progress associated with the entire family. CT maintains bone mineral in emergency situations (i.e., to combat hypercalcemia) and plays a role in the conservation of body calcium stores in certain physiological but stressful states (i.e., growth, pregnancy, and lactation). However, it is clear from the growing body of literature that the CT gene family of peptides, as a whole, has many important physiological and pathological functions. Further investigations into this broad family of peptides are likely to provide great insight into the physiology of the human in healthy and disease states.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Principles of Bone Biology |
Subtitle of host publication | Volume 1-2, Third Edition |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Pages | 813-836 |
Number of pages | 24 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780123738844 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2008 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology