Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
05:53
Mitochondrial Ca2+ Retention Capacity Assay and Ca2+-triggered Mitochondrial Swelling Assay
Published on: May 1, 2018
11.9K
Manganese and intracellular Ca2+ handling.
Godfrey L Smith1, David A Eisner2
1School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow , Glasgow, UK.
The Journal of General Physiology
|December 31, 2025
Summary
Manganese (Mn2+) influx via calcium channels can disrupt cellular function. Elevated intracellular manganese competes with calcium, impacting cellular calcium handling and enzyme activity.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
Background:
- Manganese (Mn2+) is vital for intracellular enzymes but tightly regulated.
- Free Mn2+ levels are normally lower than free Ca2+.
- Mn2+ can enter cells via Ca2+ channels when extracellular concentrations rise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the manganese quench technique for detecting Ca2+ influx pathways.
- To discuss the impact of elevated intracellular Mn2+ on cellular Ca2+ handling.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the manganese quench technique to monitor Mn2+ influx.
- Analyzing the competition between Mn2+ and Ca2+ for intracellular buffers.
Main Results:
- High extracellular Mn2+ leads to significant Mn2+ influx through Ca2+ channels.
- Increased intracellular Mn2+ competes with Ca2+ for binding sites.
Conclusions:
- The manganese quench technique is effective for studying Ca2+ influx.
- Elevated intracellular Mn2+ can alter cellular Ca2+ homeostasis and function.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Calmodulin-dependent Signaling
5.9K
Calmodulin (CaM) is a calcium-binding protein in eukaryotes that controls various calcium-regulated cellular processes. It has four calcium-binding sites that bind calcium to form the calcium-calmodulin ( Ca2+-CaM) complex. GPCR stimulation increases the calcium levels in the cells that bind to CaM and induces a conformational change.
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...
5.9K
01:27Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration
3.9K
Calcium is an essential signaling molecule required for various cellular functions. Calcium pumps and ion channels on cell and organellar membranes, such as those on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), regulate calcium concentrations inside the cell. They remain closed, keeping the cytosolic calcium levels low at a resting state.
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
3.9K
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
5.7K
Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
5.7K
01:33Introduction to Electrolytes
15.0K
In humans, electrolytes play a vital role in various physiological processes. Balancing electrolyte levels is essential for normal body functions; their imbalance can be life-threatening. The major electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate. They are primarily involved in physiological processes, such as nerve signal transmission, membrane trafficking, muscle contraction, buffering body fluids, and balancing water levels in the body.
Role of Sodium
One...
Role of Sodium
One...
15.0K
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
5.9K
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
5.9K
03:45Formation of Complex Ions
25.5K
A type of Lewis acid-base chemistry involves the formation of a complex ion (or a coordination complex) comprising a central atom, typically a transition metal cation, surrounded by ions or molecules called ligands. These ligands can be neutral molecules like H2O or NH3, or ions such as CN− or OH−. Often, the ligands act as Lewis bases, donating a pair of electrons to the central atom. These types of Lewis acid-base reactions are examples of a broad subdiscipline called coordination...
25.5K