The Open Zoology Journal

2009, 2 : 53-61
Published online 2009 May 15. DOI: 10.2174/1874336601002009053
Publisher ID: TOZJ-2-53

A Review of Calcitonin Receptor Expression in Embryonic, Foetal and Adult Tissues, with an Hypothesis on the Connection Between Expression During Foetal Development and Disease

Peter J. Wookey
Department of Medicine/Cardiology, University of Melbourne, Lance Townsend Building, Level 10, Austin Health, Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia.

ABSTRACT

Calcitonin receptor-positive cell populations play a central role in the implantation process of the early blastocyst, in organogenesis of foetal tissues, in several physiological contexts in adult including wound healing and lactation, and in the aetiology of diseases such as certain cancers and cardiovascular disease. Calcitonin receptor (CTR) is expressed by specific precursor cell populations from different lineages including sub-populations of the haematopoietic lineage, as well as differentiated progeny when located in specific micro-environments. Here the central hypothesis is expounded, which proposes that there is the potential of cellular components of the haematopoietic lineage to express CTR, which is a characteristic property.

Keywords:

Calcitonin receptor, organogenesis, haematopoiesis.