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Updated: May 15, 2026

Fluorescence-based Measurement of Store-operated Calcium Entry in Live Cells: from Cultured Cancer Cell to Skeletal Muscle Fiber
Published on: February 13, 2012
What role for store-operated Ca²⁺ entry in muscle?
Mohamed Trebak1, Wei Zhang, Brian Ruhle
1Nanobioscience Constellation, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering-CNSE, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA. mtrebak@albany.edu
Store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) is a conserved pathway crucial for cell signaling. This study hypothesizes SOCE
Area of Science:
- Cellular Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) is a ubiquitous, receptor-regulated Ca²⁺ influx pathway.
- SOCE activation involves stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) sensing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca²⁺ depletion and interacting with Orai1 channels at the plasma membrane.
- While SOCE influences cell functions like proliferation and migration, its role in muscle contractility remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential contribution of SOCE to muscle contractility.
- To explore the signaling roles of SOCE in skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.
- To hypothesize on the precise function of SOCE in various muscle types.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and hypothesis generation.
- Analysis of existing data on STIM1/Orai1 expression and SOCE activity in muscle.
- Comparative analysis of SOCE roles across different muscle tissues.
Main Results:
- STIM1/Orai1 proteins and SOCE activity are present in adult skeletal muscle.
- The exact role of SOCE in skeletal muscle contractility is not well-defined.
- The dependence of cardiac and smooth muscle contractility on SOCE is even less certain.
Conclusions:
- SOCE is hypothesized to contribute to muscle contractility and signaling pathways.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific roles of SOCE in skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle function.
- Understanding SOCE's role in muscle may reveal new therapeutic targets.
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