Calcitonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, adrenomedullin and amylin: homologous peptides, separate receptors and overlapping biological actions

Muff R, Born W, Fischer JA. Calcitonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, adrenomedullin and amylin: homologous peptides, separate receptors and overlapping biological actions. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:17–20. ISSN 0804–4643 Calcitonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, adrenomedullin and amylin are structurally related peptides with N-terminal 6–7 amino acid ring structures linked by a disulfide bridge and with amidated C-termini. Among the related bioactive peptides, the structures of the calcitonin receptor and subtypes thereof have been identified so far through molecular cloning. Cross-reaction between receptors of calcitonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, adrenomedullin and amylin, as well as overlapping biological actions, anticipate that the respective receptors belong to a family of G-protein-coupled receptors that include those of parathyroid hormone, secretin and vasointestinal peptide. Jan A Fischer, Klinik Balgrist, Forchstrasse 340, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland