CALCR - Calcitonin Receptor (Like) | Elisa - Clia - Antibody - Protein

Background

Calcitonin receptors are a class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that respond to the hormone calcitonin. Calcitonin, a peptide hormone produced by the parafollicular cells (C cells) of the thyroid gland, serves as the endogenous ligand for calcitonin receptors. It plays a role in regulating calcium and phosphate metabolism, primarily by inhibiting osteoclast activity and promoting calcium deposition in bone.

Structural Features

Calcitonin receptors, like other GPCRs, possess seven transmembrane domains and possess an extracellular N-terminus and an intracellular C-terminus. Upon ligand binding, conformational changes in the receptor initiate intracellular signaling cascades through interaction with heterotrimeric G proteins.

Subtypes and Classification

 There are two primary subtypes of calcitonin receptors:

1. Calcitonin Receptor (CTR): This subtype is the primary receptor for calcitonin and is widely expressed in bone, kidney, and central nervous system tissues.
2. Calcitonin Receptor-Like Receptor (CLR): This subtype can form heterodimers with receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) to function as receptors for other peptides, such as adrenomedullin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).

Physiological Functions

 Calcitonin receptors mediate various physiological effects in different tissues and organ systems:

• Bone Metabolism: Activation of calcitonin receptors inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, leading to decreased bone turnover and increased bone mineral density.
• Calcium Homeostasis: Calcitonin receptors participate in the regulation of blood calcium levels by promoting renal excretion of calcium and phosphate and inhibiting calcium reabsorption in the kidney tubules.
• Central Nervous System: Calcitonin receptors are expressed in certain regions of the central nervous system and may play a role in modulating neurotransmission, pain perception, and neuroendocrine function.
• Clinical Implications: Dysregulation of calcitonin receptor signaling is associated with various pathological conditions:
• Osteoporosis: Altered calcitonin receptor activity contributes to bone loss and increased fracture risk in osteoporosis.
• Hypercalcemia: Dysfunctional calcitonin receptor signaling may lead to hypercalcemia, a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood.
• Thyroid Disorders: Changes in calcitonin receptor expression or function may be implicated in thyroid disorders such as medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

Therapeutic Potential:

Calcitonin receptors represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention in bone disorders and other diseases. Pharmacological modulation of calcitonin receptor activity, either through agonists, antagonists, or allosteric modulators, holds promise for the development of novel therapies targeting these receptors.