Calretinin (CALB2)

Calretinin (calbindin 2, CALB2) is a 29 kDa calcium-binding protein with six EF-hand domains, belonging to the troponin C family[1][2][3][7]. It is predominantly expressed in nervous tissues, where it acts as a key buffer and modulator of intracellular calcium. Calretinin delineates specific neuronal subpopulations, particularly GABAergic interneurons, and plays vital roles in synaptic signaling, development, and plasticity[1][5][7]. It is routinely used as a sensitive and specific marker in histopathology of diseases such as mesothelioma, neuroendocrine tumors, and Hirschsprung disease[1][2]. While not a direct therapeutic target, calretinin's expression provides crucial information for diagnostic purposes and research into inhibitory neuronal circuits and neuropsychiatric disorders[1][3]. *Note: CALB2 (Calretinin) is best defined as a marker, not a classical pharmacological target like a receptor or enzyme. There are no direct clinical interventions targeting calretinin, but its molecular and expression characteristics are vital for research and diagnostics in neurology and oncology[1][2][3][7][8].*

Other names

Calbindin 2CALB2CalretininCAB29CRCAL229 kDa calbindincalbindin D29Ktesticular secretory protein Li 8

Not applicable; no current drugs directly target CALB2/calretinin[1][2][3]. - If altered, it may reflect effects from drugs acting upstream (e.g., neurological agents, calcium homeostasis modulators), but not as a direct drug target.