osteocalcin

plural osteocalcins

1. countableuncountablebiochemistryA protein, found in bone and dentin and manufactured by osteoblasts, that plays a role in mineralization and calcium ion homeostasis.

   Comparison of the sequences of the various osteocalcins indicates that the central portion of the molecule is highly conserved.

   1994, Hideaki Ogura, Pharmacological Approach to the Study of the Formation and the Resorption Mechanism of Hard Tissues, Ishiyaku EuroAmerica, page 134

   2 more examples

   Osteocalcin has recently been identified as a bone-derived hormone with significant functional impacts on sex steroid production by the testis, completing the circle of mutual interdependence between the skeletal system and gonad (for reviews, see Refs 536–538).

   2014, Lee B. Smith, William H. Walker, “16: Hormone Signaling in the Testis”, in Tony M. Plant, Anthony J. Zeleznik, editors, Knobil and Neill's Physiology of Reproduction, Elsevier (Academic Press), page 669

   Osteocalcin together with the other Gla-protein MGP belongs to a distinct subgroup of the larger vitamin K-dependent protein family, the constituents of which are primarily involved in blood coagulation.

   2017, Olena V. Andrukhova, Reinhold G. Erben, “11: Kidney—Bone: Interaction”, in Susan Y. Smith, Aurore Varela, Rana Samadfam, editors, Bone Toxicology, Springer, page 349