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pubmed:abstractText |
The extracellular Ca(2+) (Ca(2+)(o))-sensing receptor (CaR) critically influences Ca(2+)(o) homeostasis by regulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion and renal Ca(2+) handling. Moreover, its expression in intestinal and bone cells suggests roles in all of the organs involved in maintaining systemic Ca(2+)(o) homeostasis. This G-protein coupled receptor is also expressed in a wide variety of additional cells throughout the body. While our understanding of its role(s) outside of the system governing Ca(2+)(o) metabolism remains rudimentary, the CaR will probably emerge as a versatile regulator of diverse cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, gene expression and maintenance of membrane potential. Finally, the recently developed, "calcimimetic" CaR activators, exemplified by a NPS R-467 and NPS R-568, provide novel approaches to treating diseases that previously had no effective medical therapies: topic likewise covered in this review.
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pubmed:affiliation |
Endocrine-Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. nchattopadhyay@rics.bwh.harvard.edu
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pubmed:publicationType |
Journal Article,
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.,
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.,
Review,
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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