Protein: Calcitonin
Artist: Nathan Forster
Bones are a surprisingly dynamic part of an organism’s body in that it is constantly being torn down and built back up by the combined efforts of osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Calcitonin, a molecule produced by the thyroid gland, is the protein responsible for both calcium uptake and telling the osteoblasts to build up new bone. This protein is often prescribed in order counter the effects of osteoporosis.
