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Updated: May 29, 2026

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Dissection of Local Ca2+ Signals in Cultured Cells by Membrane-targeted Ca2+ Indicators
Published on: March 22, 2019
[Signal function of calcium-binding proteins in lower eukaryotes].
Tsitologiia
|September 24, 2011
Summary
This review explores calcium-binding proteins (CaBP) and their crucial signaling roles in lower eukaryotes. It details how calmodulin (CaM)-like proteins, CDPKs, and CaNB contribute to calcium-dependent cellular regulation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Lower eukaryotes represent diverse model organisms for studying fundamental cellular processes.
- Calcium ions (Ca2+) act as ubiquitous second messengers regulating numerous cellular functions.
- Calcium-binding proteins (CaBP) are essential mediators of Ca2+ signaling.
Purpose:
- To review and synthesize current knowledge on the signaling functions of CaBPs in lower eukaryotes.
- To highlight the specific roles of key CaBP families, including calmodulin (CaM)-like proteins, calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPK), and calcineurin B-like phosphatases (CaNB).
Summary:
- This review consolidates data on the diverse signaling pathways mediated by CaBPs in lower eukaryotes.
- It examines the involvement of CaM-like proteins, CDPKs, and CaNB in orchestrating Ca2+-dependent cellular activities.
- The collective contribution of these proteins to the precise regulation of cellular functions is discussed.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of CaBP signaling in a key phylogenetic group.
- Enhances understanding of calcium's regulatory mechanisms in non-animal eukaryotes.
- Serves as a foundational resource for researchers investigating cell signaling and calcium homeostasis.
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