Function of caveolae in Ca2+ entry and Ca2+-dependent signal transduction
Masashi Isshiki1, Richard G W Anderson
1Department of Nephrology and Endocrinology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
Traffic (Copenhagen, Denmark)
|November 18, 2003
Summary
Calcium (Ca2+) signaling is vital for cell functions. This review explores how caveolae regulate Ca2+ entry and signaling pathways within cells.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
Background:
- Calcium ions (Ca2+) are critical intracellular messengers.
- Proper spatial and temporal control of Ca2+ is essential for cellular processes like fertilization, secretion, motility, and cell division.
- Caveolae, unique membrane microdomains, are implicated in regulating intracellular Ca2+ concentration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated perspective on the role of caveolae in regulating intracellular Ca2+.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which caveolae control Ca2+ entry into cells.
- To examine the influence of caveolae on Ca2+-dependent signal transduction pathways.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing research.
- Literature review and critical analysis of studies on caveolae and Ca2+ signaling.
- Integration of data from various experimental approaches.
Main Results:
- Caveolae play a significant role in modulating Ca2+ homeostasis.
- Caveolae influence the influx of extracellular Ca2+ into cells.
- Caveolae are involved in the regulation of Ca2+-mediated signaling cascades.
Conclusions:
- Caveolae are key regulators of cellular Ca2+ dynamics.
- Understanding caveolae function provides insights into various physiological and pathological processes.
- Further research into caveolae-Ca2+ interactions can reveal novel therapeutic targets.
Related Concept Videos
Intracellular Signaling Cascades
Once a ligand binds to a receptor, the signal is transmitted through the membrane and into the cytoplasm. The continuation of a signal in this manner is called signal transduction. Signal transduction only occurs with cell-surface receptors, which cannot interact with most components of the cell, such as DNA. Only internal receptors can interact directly with DNA in the nucleus to initiate protein synthesis. When a ligand binds to its receptor, conformational changes occur that affect the...
Intracellular Signaling Cascades
Once a ligand binds to a receptor, the signal is transmitted through the membrane and into the cytoplasm. The continuation of a signal in this manner is called signal transduction. Signal transduction only occurs with cell-surface receptors, which cannot interact with most components of the cell, such as DNA. Only internal receptors can interact directly with DNA in the nucleus to initiate protein synthesis. When a ligand binds to its receptor, conformational changes occur that affect the...
Amplifying Signals via Second Messengers
Many receptor binding ligands are hydrophilic; they do not cross the cell membrane but bind to cell-surface receptors. Thus, their message must be relayed by second messengers present in the cell cytoplasm. There are several second messenger pathways, each with its own way of relaying information. For example, the G protein-coupled receptors can activate both phosphoinositol and cyclic AMP (cAMP) second messenger pathways. The phosphoinositol pathway is active when the receptor induces...
IP3/DAG Signaling Pathway
Membrane lipids such as phosphatidylinositol (PI) are precursors for several membrane-bound and soluble second messengers. Specific kinases phosphorylate PI and produce phosphorylated inositol phospholipids. One such inositol phospholipids are the phosphatidylinositol-4,5 bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2], present in the inner half of the lipid bilayer. Upon ligand binding, GPCR stimulates Gq proteins to turn on phospholipase Cꞵ. Activated phospholipase Cꞵ cleaves PI(4,5)P2 and produces two-second...
Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration
Calcium is an essential signaling molecule required for various cellular functions. Calcium pumps and ion channels on cell and organellar membranes, such as those on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), regulate calcium concentrations inside the cell. They remain closed, keeping the cytosolic calcium levels low at a resting state.
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
Calmodulin-dependent Signaling
Calmodulin (CaM) is a calcium-binding protein in eukaryotes that controls various calcium-regulated cellular processes. It has four calcium-binding sites that bind calcium to form the calcium-calmodulin ( Ca2+-CaM) complex. GPCR stimulation increases the calcium levels in the cells that bind to CaM and induces a conformational change.
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...


