[Divergent functions of the calcium-sensing receptor other than regulation ofmineral metabolism.]

The calcium-sensing receptor(CaSR)is a G protein-coupled membrane receptor that binds extracellular Ca2+and other cations as a ligand. CaSR is expressed in parathyroid glands at the highest level and plays a critical role in the regulation of extracellular calcium. CaSR is also expressed by a wide variety of tissues other than calcium metabolic organs. In this overview, divergent roles of CaSR in inflammasome as well as various tissues including intestines, lungs, neurons and endocrine pancreas will be briefly summarized.