Osteocalcin (E8B9X) Rabbit mAb #59757

Osteocalcin is a protein that plays a crucial role in bone metabolism. It is also known as bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein (BGLAP). Osteocalcin is primarily synthesized and secreted by osteoblasts, which are bone-forming cells. This protein is involved in several important processes within the skeletal system but has other important biological functions. In bone health, it is an essential component of the bone mineralization process. It binds to hydroxyapatite, a mineral found in bone matrix, which contributes to the mechanical strength and density of bones. It is thought also to be involved in regulating calcium homeostasis, and may have a role in promoting the deposition of calcium ions into bone tissue, helping to maintain proper calcium levels in the bloodstream (1).

Osteocalcin also acts as a hormone that communicates between bone tissue and other organs, such as the pancreas and adipose tissue. It has been implicated in influencing insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Studies suggest that osteocalcin might have a role in improving insulin secretion and reducing insulin resistance. Through downstream effects from its role in insulin signaling, it has been reported to affect a myriad of physiological functions, including male fertility, the acute stress response, exercise, adrenal steroidogenesis, and blood pressure, among other functions. The many studies of osteocalcin have contributed to the model of bone being an endocrine organ, not just a structural component of the skeleton (2).