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STIM/Orai signalling complexes in vascular smooth muscle
1The Center for Cardiovascular Sciences, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA. trebakm@mail.amc.edu
The Journal of Physiology
|May 30, 2012
Summary
Stromal interaction molecules (STIM) and Orai proteins regulate calcium (Ca2+) entry in cells. This review discusses their roles in smooth muscle Ca2+ pathways and vascular remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Physiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Stromal interaction molecules (STIM1 and STIM2) are endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins that sense ER calcium (Ca2+) levels.
- STIM1 activates store-operated calcium (SOC) entry via CRAC channels formed by Orai1.
- Orai proteins (Orai1, Orai2, Orai3) form calcium channels in the plasma membrane.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of STIM and Orai proteins in cellular calcium (Ca2+) entry pathways.
- To discuss their involvement in smooth muscle physiology.
- To explore their contribution to vascular remodeling.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of STIM and Orai protein functions.
- Analysis of calcium (Ca2+) signaling mechanisms.
- Examination of smooth muscle and vascular remodeling processes.
Main Results:
- STIM proteins act as Ca2+ sensors, initiating calcium (Ca2+) influx upon ER store depletion.
- Orai1 forms CRAC channels essential for store-operated calcium (SOC) entry.
- STIM1 also regulates store-independent calcium (Ca2+) entry pathways involving Orai1 and Orai3.
Conclusions:
- STIM and Orai proteins are critical regulators of diverse calcium (Ca2+) entry pathways.
- These proteins play significant roles in smooth muscle function and vascular remodeling.
- Understanding these pathways offers insights into potential therapeutic targets.
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