This gene encodes the peptide hormones calcitonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide and katacalcin by tissue-specific alternative RNA splicing of the gene transcripts and cleavage of inactive precursor proteins. Calcitonin is involved in calcium regulation and acts to regulate phosphorus metabolism. Calcitonin gene-related peptide functions as a vasodilator while katacalcin is a calcium-lowering peptide. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.[provided by RefSeq, Nov 2009].
Function: Calcitonin causes a rapid but short-lived drop in the level of calcium and phosphate in blood by promotingthe incorporation of those ions in the bones

Function: Katacalcin is a potent plasma calcium-lowering peptide.