Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2025

Study of Protein-protein Interactions in Autophagy Research
Published on: September 9, 2017
Available CALM (calmodulin) and autophagy: pas de deux at rest
Elizabeth McConnaha1, Jennifer Giles1, Eric Wauson1
1Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine 3200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA.
Abstract:
Macroautophagy/autophagy is a process that degrades unnecessary cellular components to maintain homeostasis. The Ca2+-sensing protein CALM (calmodulin) is needed for many cell functions yet is a limiting factor because of its insufficient availability for its target proteins. Although Ca2+ produces diverse actions in autophagy, the role of CALM in autophagy at basal conditions, when there is no external stimulation for increases in intracellular Ca2+, is not known. Our recent work indicates that CALM availability is critical for basal autophagy. In this punctum, we summarize our findings and discuss mechanisms whereby CALM regulates basal autophagy.
Related Concept Videos
Autophagy
An autophagic pathway consists of a series of signaling events activated in response to diverse stress and physiological conditions such as food deprivation,...
Autophagic Cell Death
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and...
Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome
Endocytosis
In endocytosis, the cell membrane takes up macromolecules and particles from the surrounding medium. Clathrin-mediated...
Overview of Cell Death
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the...
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized...
Apoptosis

