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Calcitonin mRNA is produced in liver by two different splicing pathways
S Bracq1, J Taboulet, M Machairas
1Unité 349 INSERM, Centre Viggo Petersen, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France.
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|April 4, 1997
Summary
Calcitonin, a hormone regulating calcium and phosphate, is found in the liver, not just the thyroid. Both calcitonin messenger RNAs are expressed in liver tissue, confirming its synthesis there.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Calcitonin is a hormone primarily produced by thyroid C-cells, regulating calcium and phosphate levels.
- Previous research identified calcitonin and its messenger RNA (mRNA) in hepatic tissues.
- A second, distinct calcitonin mRNA variant was previously identified in thyroid tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of both calcitonin mRNA variants in human liver tissue.
- To confirm the synthesis of calcitonin-related peptides in the liver.
Main Methods:
- Detection of calcitonin mRNA in normal and tumoral human liver tissue.
- Quantification of carboxyterminal peptide II using a specific immunoassay.
Main Results:
- Both identified calcitonin mRNAs are expressed in normal and tumoral human liver.
- The specific peptide coded by calcitonin mRNA II (carboxyterminal peptide II) was detected in human liver.
Conclusions:
- The human liver expresses both known calcitonin mRNA variants.
- The liver synthesizes specific calcitonin-related peptides, indicating a potential hepatic role for calcitonin.