| Primary Identifier | IPR015476 | Type | Family |
| Short Name | Calcitonin_gene-rel_peptide |
| description | The calcitonin (CT) gene is alternatively expressed in a tissue-specific manner, producing either the calcium regulatory hormone CT in the thyroid, or the neuropeptide calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) in the brain []. In medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, both peptides are produced [].The calcitonin regulatory hormone is a peptide of 32 residues that causes a rapid but short-lived drop in calcium and phosphate levels in the blood by promoting the incorporation of these ions in the bones []. The structure of Oncorhynchus sp. (Salmon) calcitonin has been studied by 2D NMR in SDS micelles []. The main conformational feature of the hormone is an α-helix from residues 6-22, which includes an amphipathic segment. Two cysteine residues (at positions 1 and 7) form an N-terminal loop, and a C-terminal decapeptide forms a loop that folds back towards the helix [].CGRP is a 37-residue peptide produced by alternative splicing of the CT gene. CGRP induces vasodilation in various vessels, including those of the coronary, cerebral and systemic vasculature. A neurotransmitter or neuro-modulator role is suggested by its abundance in the CNS []. The structure of human CGRP has been determined by 1H NMR []. The main conformational feature of the hormone is an N-terminal disulphide-bonded loop (residues 2-7), leading into a well-defined α-helix between residues 8 and 18; thereafter, the structure is predominantly disordered, althoughthere are indications of a preference for a turn-type conformation between residues 19 and 21 [].This entry represents the full-length propeptide (procalcitonin gene-related peptide or proCGRP) before cleavage into the calcitonin peptide. |
