Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
03:57
Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy
Published on: July 14, 2023
Parathyroid hormone-related protein: an update
1Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, TAC S131, Box 208020, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8020, USA. john.wysolmerski@yale.edu
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|June 30, 2012
Summary
Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) causes hypercalcemia in cancer patients. New research reveals PTHrP
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Translational Research
Background:
- Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) identified 25 years ago as a cause of cancer-related hypercalcemia.
- PTHrP and parathyroid hormone (PTH) share evolutionary origins, belonging to the PTH gene family.
- Both PTHrP and PTH bind to the type 1 PTH/PTHrP receptor, explaining the similarity between malignancy-related hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroidism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental biology and physiological functions of PTHrP.
- To highlight recent discoveries in PTHrP research over the past 5-10 years.
- To explore the expanding role of PTHrP beyond cancer-related hypercalcemia.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of basic PTHrP biology.
- Analysis of recent findings on PTHrP's physiological roles.
- Exploration of PTHrP's connections to various disease states and therapeutic potential.
Main Results:
- PTHrP's involvement in humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy is well-established.
- New findings link PTHrP to osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and breast cancer.
- PTHrP shows therapeutic promise for osteoporosis and diabetes treatment.
Conclusions:
- PTHrP's story exemplifies successful translational research, moving from clinical observation to basic science and back to therapeutic applications.
- The protein's functions extend beyond hypercalcemia, impacting bone health, joint disease, and potentially other conditions.
- Continued research into PTHrP biology offers significant potential for novel therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
00:59The Parathyroid Glands
The two pairs of parathyroid glands embedded within the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are restricted by a dense capsule around them. These glands comprise two distinct cell populations—parathyroid oxyphil and parathyroid principal cells- pivotal in calcium homeostasis.
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:40Bone Remodeling
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
01:27Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Enzyme-linked receptors are cell-surface receptors acting as an enzyme or associating with an enzyme intracellularly. They make excellent drug targets. Drugs can bind to the extracellular ligand-binding domain or directly affect their enzymatic domain and alter their activity.
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
01:27Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate
Calcium and phosphate are essential electrolytes in the human body, with calcium being the most abundant mineral. Around 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the skeleton and teeth, forming a crystal lattice of mineral salts in combination with phosphates. Calcium plays crucial roles in various bodily functions such as blood clotting, neurotransmitter release, muscle tone maintenance, and nervous and muscle tissue excitability.
The calcium concentration in blood plasma is primarily regulated...
The calcium concentration in blood plasma is primarily regulated...
00:51Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin
Calcitonin, a vital polypeptide hormone, regulates calcium levels within body fluids. It is released by the parafollicular cells, also known as C cells, situated in the follicular epithelium of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin responds to fluctuations in blood calcium levels and the influence of gastrointestinal hormones like gastrin and cholecystokinin.
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...