BGLAP

The uncarboxylated form acts as a hormone secreted by osteoblasts, which regulates different cellular processes, such as energy metabolism, male fertility and brain development. Regulates of energy metabolism by acting as a hormone favoring pancreatic beta-cell proliferation, insulin secretion and sensitivity and energy expenditure. Uncarboxylated osteocalcin hormone also promotes testosterone production in the testes: acts as a ligand for G protein-coupled receptor GPRC6A at the surface of Leydig cells, initiating a signaling response that promotes the expression of enzymes required for testosterone synthesis in a CREB-dependent manner. Also acts as a regulator of brain development: osteocalcin hormone crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts as a ligand for GPR158 on neurons, initiating a signaling response that prevents neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus, favors the synthesis of all monoamine neurotransmitters and inhibits that of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Osteocalcin also crosses the placenta during pregnancy and maternal osteocalcin is required for fetal brain development..