Biological importance of the peptides of the calcitonin family as revealed by disruption and transfer of corresponding genes

• Published in: Peptides (New York, N.Y. : 1980) N.Y. : 1980), 2004-11, Vol.25 (11), p.2027-2038
• Main Authors: Muff, Roman, Born, Walter, Lutz, Thomas A., Fischer, Jan A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adenoviridae - genetics; Adrenomedullin; Amylin; Amyloid - chemistry; Amyloid - physiology; Animals; Apud cells. Peptide and protein hormones. Growth factors; Biological and medical sciences; Calcitonin - chemistry; Calcitonin - genetics; Calcitonin - physiology; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gene Expression; Gene Transfer Techniques; Genetic Therapy; Humans; Knockout; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Peptides - chemistry; Peptides - genetics; Peptides - physiology; Transgene; Transgenes; Vertebrates: endocrinology
• ISSN: 0196-9781; 1873-5169
• DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2004.08.007

The hormone calcitonin (CT) of thyroid C-cell origin, the neuropeptides α- and β-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), the widely expressed hormone and tissue factor adrenomedullin (AM), and amylin (AMY) that is co-produced with insulin in pancreatic β-cells, are structurally related peptides. They have in common six or seven amino acid ring structures, linked by disulfide bridges between cysteine residues, and amidated carboxyl termini that are both required for biological activity. The actions of the peptides in vivo have traditionally been studied after intravenous and intracerebroventricular administration. As a result, CT lowers serum calcium and reduces pain perception. α- and βCGRP and AM are highly potent vasodilatory peptides. AMY inhibits food intake through its action in the area postrema of the brain. Physiological actions of the peptides summarized in the present review have been defined through gene knockout and overexpression strategies.