Definition: Vitamin K-dependent calcium-binding protein synthesized by OSTEOBLASTS and found primarily in BONES. Serum osteocalcin measurements provide a noninvasive specific marker of bone metabolism. The protein contains three residues of the amino acid gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla), which, in the presence of CALCIUM, promotes binding to HYDROXYAPATITE and subsequent accumulation in BONE MATRIX.
Other names Vitamin K-Dependent Bone Protein; Gla Protein, Bone; Calcium-Binding Protein, Vitamin K-Dependent; Bone Gla Protein; Vitamin K Dependent Bone Protein; Protein, Bone Gla; Protein, Bone 4-Carboxyglutamic; Calcium Binding Protein, Vitamin K Dependent; Bone gamma Carboxyglutamic Acid Protein; Bone 4-Carboxyglutamic Protein; 4 Carboxyglutamic Protein, Bone; Bone gamma-Carboxyglutamic Acid Protein; 4-Carboxyglutamic Protein, Bone
