Novel parathyroid hormone (PTH) peptides and analogs thereof of the PTH(1 34) fragment are disclosed that combine the N-terminal signaling domain (residues 1 9) and the C-terminal binding domain (residues 15 31) via a linker. Nucleic acid molecules and peptides for PTH(1 9)-(Gly)5-PTH(15 31) (PG5) and (1 9)-(Gly)7-PTH(15 31) and a novel PTH receptor are disclosed. Additionally, methods of screening for PTH agonists, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment are disclosed.