Gene structure, transcripts and calciotropic effects of the PTH family of peptides in Xenopus and chicken.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) belong to a family of endocrine factors that share a highly conserved N-terminal region (amino acids 1-34) and play key roles in calcium homeostasis, bone formation and skeletal development. Recently, PTH-like peptide (PTH-L) was identified in teleost fish raising questions about the evolution of these proteins. Although PTH and PTHrP have been intensively studied in mammals their function in other vertebrates is poorly documented. Amphibians and birds occupy unique phylogenetic positions, the former at the transition of aquatic to terrestrial life and the latter at the transition to homeothermy. Moreover, both organisms have characteristics indicative of a complex system in calcium regulation. This study investig

SUBMITTER: Pinheiro PL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3009671 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature