STC1/Stanniocalcin 1 [C5]

The gene contains a 5′ UTR rich in CAG trinucleotide repeats. The encoded protein contains 11 conserved cysteine residues and is phosphorylated by protein kinase C exclusively on its serine residues. The protein may play a role in the regulation of renal and intestinal calcium and phosphate transport, cell metabolism, or cellular calcium/phosphate homeostasis. Expressed in most tissues, with the highest levels in ovary, prostate, heart, kidney and thyroid. In the kidney, expression is confined to the nephron, specifically in the distal convoluted tubule and in the collecting tubule. Not detected in the brain, liver, spleen, peripheral blood leukocytes and adrenal medulla. This gene has altered expression in hepatocellular, ovarian, and breast cancers. Stimulates renal phosphate reabsorption, and could therefore prevent hypercalcemia.