Calcium-Dependent Regulation of Ion Channels
Vikas N Shah1, Benjamin Chagot1, Walter J Chazin1
1Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics; Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Nashville, Tennessee USA.
Abstract:
Calcium plays an important role in regulating hundreds of biological processes due to its primary role as one of the most ubiquitous second messengers. As a result, the levels of calcium are tightly regulated as are the peak and trough calcium concentrations during a calcium signal. Calcium levels are controlled via a variety of feedback mechanisms and exchangers/transporters. Here the role of calcium in the feedback regulation of ion channel function is reviewed, with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms governing calcium-dependent function. In particular, the role of calcium in the regulation of voltage-gated sodium, calcium, and potassium channels are reviewed as well as its effects on the ryanodine receptor.
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