Parvalbumin

The protein encoded by this gene is a high affinity calcium ion-binding protein that is structurally and functionally similar to calmodulin and troponin C. The encoded protein is thought to be involved in muscle relaxation. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. 

Parvalbumin is expressed in fast-contracting muscles, where its levels are highest, as well as in the brain and some endocrine tissues. In brain, it is particularly concentrated in Purkinje cells and interneurons in the molecular lay, but is also found in many GABAergic interneurons in the cortex.