Coupling Ratio for Ca(2+) Transport by Calcium Oxalate Precipitation

The SERCA isoform 1a is constructed to transport 2 Ca(2+) ions across the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane coupled to the hydrolysis of one molecule of MgATP. However, observed coupling ratios for Ca(2+) transported/ATP hydrolzyed are usually less than 2:1, since part of the Ca(2+) accumulated at high intravesicular concentrations by the active transport of Ca(2+) leaks out of the vesicles because of Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) exchange. However, in the presence of a high concentration of oxalate (5 mM) Ca(2+) will precipitate as Ca-oxalate inside the vesicles and thereby be prevented from leaking out and, in addition, this treatment will reduce the intravesicular free concentration of Ca(2+) to a level where optimal coupling ratios of 2:1 can be achieved.