| Scientific Background: | CaSR is a member of subfamily C of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily. As its primary role, CaSR is a key player in calcium homeostasis and is expressed in tissues involved in calcium metabolism, such as parathyroid cells and kidney. CaSR activation is followed by a rapid, transient increase in the cytosolic calcium concentration, resulting from mobilization of calcium from thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular stores, as well as an increased calcium influx through voltage-insensitive calcium channels located at the cell membrane. CaSR regulates cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation under both normal and pathologic conditions. |
