[Bone and Nutrition. A prospect of calcium sensing receptor]

Following the discovery of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in 1993, its pivotal role in disorders of calcium homeostasis was demonstrated. Compelling evidence suggests that the CaSR plays multiple roles extending well beyond not only regulating the level of extracellular Ca(2+), but also controlling diverse and crucial roles in human physiology and pathophysiology. This review covers current knowledge of the role of the CaSR in disorders of calcium homeostasis (familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism, autosomal dominant hypocalcemia, primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcemia of malignancy) as well as unrelated diseases such as breast and colorectal cancer, Alzheimer's disease and pancreatitis. In addition, it examines the use or potential use of CaSR agonists or antagonists in the management of disorders as diverse as hyperparathyroidism and Alzheimer's disease.