Abstract
Although Calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k), a cytosolic calcium binding protein which has calcium binding sites, is expressed in various tissues, i.e., intestine, uterus, and placenta, potential roles of this gene and its protein are not clearly understood. Uterine CaBP-9k may be involved in controlling myometrial activity related with intracellular calcium level and is not under the control of vitamin D despite the presence of vitamin D receptors. But, it is under the control of the sex steroid hormones, estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4), in female reproductive systems including the uterus and placenta. Thus, in this review, we summarize recent research literature in regards to the expression and regulation of CaBP-9k in mammals and introduce the research data of recent studies by us and others.
Highlights
A 9-kilodalton cytosolic calcium-binding protein termed as Calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k) belongs to a family of intracellular proteins which have high affinities for calcium, and has two calcium binding domains [1]
Uterine CaBP-9k may be involved in controlling myometrial activity related with intracellular calcium level [6], but an exact role of CaBP-9k in the uterus is still under investigation by us and a few of other research groups
It can be hypothesized that uterine CaBP-9k may be involved in controlling myometrial activity related with intracellular calcium level and placental CaBP-9k plays a role in calcium transfer from the mother to the fetus for fetal growth
Summary
A 9-kilodalton cytosolic calcium-binding protein termed as Calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k) belongs to a family of intracellular proteins which have high affinities for calcium, and has two calcium binding domains [1]. We demonstrated that CaBP-9k mRNA and protein are dominantly expressed during luteal phase, indicating that P4 may play an important role in the up-regulation of CaBP9k gene in the porcine uterus during luteal phase, which is unlike the condition in the rat uterus (Fig. 1) [27]. These results indicate that these compounds have an estrogenic effect on the maternal uterus during the lactation period, as shown by the induction of both CaBP-9k mRNA and protein.
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