C-cells etiology and calcitonin/cgrp family of peptides. Literature review

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare form of cancer derived from parafollicular or C cells. Currently, there is an active search for predictors of the course of MTC and markers that can predict the treatment response. Understanding the biological characteristics of the tumor requires insights from both embryology and genetics. While the genetic aspects of MTC are relatively well-studied, the embryonic origin of C-cells remains a subject of ongoing investigation. The prevailing hypothesis suggests an ectodermal origin, yet recent studies have identified the expression of markers in C-cells that are typical of cells with endodermal lineage. These data deepen the understanding of their biological role and provide reasons for further research. C-cells produce several essential hormones, including calcitonin, and possess a unique ability to synthesize and secrete other peptide hormones. This article focuses on members of the calcitonin family of hormones — calcitonin gene-related peptide, amylin, adrenomedullin, and intermedin — which regulate critical physiological processes. Some of these hormones and their receptors have been identified in malignant tumors and are associated with poorer prognosis. This review analyzes current findings on the origins of C-cells and calcitonin precursors, along with structurally similar peptides, highlighting their importance in the context of clinical oncology.