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[Calcium-sensing receptors: physiology and pathology].
P Houillier1, D Eladari, G Maruani
1Département de physiologie et radio-isotopes, hôpital européen Georges-Pompidou, 20-40, rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France. pascal.houillier@egp.ap-hop-paris.fr
Summary
Maintaining stable extracellular calcium is vital for bodily functions. The calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) detects calcium levels, enabling homeostatic corrections and highlighting its role in calcium metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Extracellular calcium concentration is tightly regulated for physiological functions.
- Homeostatic systems require detection of calcium level changes for correction.
- The calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) is crucial for this detection.
Purpose:
- To understand the mechanisms controlling extracellular calcium concentration.
- To identify the key molecular players in calcium homeostasis.
- To elucidate the role of CaR in calcium metabolism.
Summary:
- The calcium-sensing receptor (CaR), a G protein-coupled receptor, is expressed in parathyroid and other cells.
- CaR detects extracellular calcium levels, acting as a hormone-like messenger.
- Mutations in the CaR gene cause inherited disorders of calcium homeostasis, underscoring its importance.
Impact:
- Advanced understanding of calcium regulation and sensing.
- Identified CaR as a critical component in calcium homeostasis.
- Provided insights into the molecular basis of inherited calcium disorders.