Osteocalcin

**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.

**Tree numbers:** - D12.776.157.125.700

**Synonyms:** - 4-Carboxyglutamic Protein, Bone - Bone gamma-Carboxyglutamic Acid Protein - Bone Gla Protein - Calcium-Binding Protein, Vitamin K-Dependent - Gla Protein, Bone - Vitamin K-Dependent Bone Protein