The CASR gene provides instructions for making a protein called the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). Calcium molecules bind to CaSR, which allows this protein to monitor and regulate the amount of calcium in the blood.
The CaSR protein is found in cells of the parathyroid glands. The four parathyroid glands are located in the neck. These glands produce and release a hormone called parathyroid hormone, which regulates the levels of calcium in the blood. When blood calcium levels are high, calcium binds to CaSR in the parathyroid glands and blocks the production of parathyroid hormone. Without parathyroid hormone, calcium is not released into the blood. CaSR signaling also blocks the growth and division (proliferation) of the cells that make up the parathyroid glands.
The CaSR protein is also found in kidney cells. Kidneys filter fluid and waste products in the body and can reabsorb needed nutrients and release them back into the blood. When calcium binds to CaSR in kidney cells, it blocks the reabsorption of calcium and allows it to be released in the urine.
Other Names
calcium-sensing receptor; CAR; extracellular calcium-sensing receptor; GPRC2A; parathyroid Ca(2+)-sensing receptor 1; parathyroid cell calcium-sensing receptor; PCAR1
Related Genetics Topics
- Familial isolated hyperparathyroidism — MedlinePlus Genetics
- Autosomal dominant hypocalcemia — MedlinePlus Genetics
- Kidney stones — MedlinePlus Genetics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 846
- OMIM: 601199
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
