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Signaling pathways between the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum calcium stores
1Calcium Regulation Section, Laboratory of Signal Transduction, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences-NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA. putney@niehs.nih.gov
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|October 12, 2000
Summary
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a key player in cell signaling, regulating calcium (Ca2+) levels and influencing gene expression and cell death. It interacts dynamically with Ca2+ and protein kinase C pathways to control cellular functions.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a critical organelle involved in protein synthesis, folding, and calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis.
- Signal transduction pathways heavily influence ER function and are, in turn, modulated by ER activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of the ER in signal transduction pathways.
- To elucidate the interplay between the ER, Ca2+ signaling, and protein kinase C (PKC) pathways.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating ER function in signal transduction.
- Analysis of mechanisms of Ca2+ mobilization from the ER.
- Examination of ER responses to Ca2+ and PKC signaling.
Main Results:
- The ER serves as a Ca2+ store, releasing Ca2+ via inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate or calcium-induced calcium release.
- ER Ca2+ depletion triggers capacitative calcium entry and signals for gene expression and apoptosis.
- ER structure and function are modified by Ca2+ and PKC, impacting Ca2+ storage and entry.
Conclusions:
- The ER is intricately linked with Ca2+ and PKC signaling pathways, forming a complex regulatory network.
- This network dynamically controls cellular structure, function, gene expression, and cell fate.