Recombinant Human PTHLH protein

PTHLH (parathyroid hormone-like hormone) recombinant protein is a biologically engineered form of the naturally occurring PTHLH protein, also known as parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP). Originally identified in the 1980s for its role in humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy, PTHrP shares structural homology with parathyroid hormone (PTH), particularly in its N-terminal region, allowing it to bind and activate the PTH type 1 receptor (PTH1R). This interaction mediates diverse physiological processes, including calcium homeostasis, bone development, and cellular proliferation.

PTHrP is expressed in numerous tissues, such as bone, skin, mammary glands, and placenta, playing critical roles in embryonic development, lactation, and tissue repair. Dysregulation of PTHrP is linked to pathologies like cancer-associated hypercalcemia, osteolytic bone metastases, and skeletal dysplasia. Recombinant PTHLH proteins are typically produced using bacterial (e.g., E. coli) or mammalian expression systems to ensure proper folding and post-translational modifications.

In research, recombinant PTHLH serves as a tool to study PTH/PTHrP signaling pathways, bone metabolism, and tumor biology. Therapeutically, analogs of its N-terminal domain (e.g., teriparatide) are FDA-approved for osteoporosis treatment by promoting bone formation. Conversely, inhibitors targeting PTHrP are under investigation for cancer therapy. Its dual role in bone anabolism and catabolism, along with its involvement in cancer progression, makes PTHLH a molecule of significant clinical and pharmacological interest. Ongoing studies aim to refine its therapeutic applications and elucidate its broader biological functions.