A protein found in osteoblasts and dentin; contains γ-carboxyglutamyl residues; has a role in mineralization and calcium ion homeostasis. SYN: bone Gla protein.
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os·teo·cal·cin -'kal-sən n a protein that is found in the extracellular matrix of bone and in the serum of circulating blood, is produced by osteoblasts esp. in the presence of vitamin K but is not a collagen, and when present at excessive levels in serum may be indicative of various disorders (as Paget's disease or postmenopausal osteoporosis) of bone metabolism
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os·teo·cal·cin (os″te-o-kalґsin) a vitamin K–dependent, calcium-binding bone protein, the most abundant noncollagen protein in bone; increased serum concentrations are a marker of increased bone turnover in disease states. Called also bone Gla protein.Medical dictionary. 2011.