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Ryanodine receptors: how many, where and why?
1European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract:
Ryanodine receptors are intracellular Ca2+ channels that have been known for more than a decade to have a role in releasing Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to regulate contraction in skeletal and cardiac muscle fibres. Vincenzo Sorrentino and Pompeo Volpe review some recent developments: the ryanodine receptor channels have now been found to be expressed in the central nervous system, and the cloning of a third ryanodine receptor gene (RYR3) has revealed that this new isoform is widely expressed in several tissues and cells. In consequence, the view of ryanodine receptors as Ca2+ channels of muscle cells is rapidly changing, and these channels seem set to take a more central position on the stage of intracellular Ca2+ signalling.
Insights
Ryanodine receptors, crucial intracellular Ca2+ channels, are now found in the central nervous system. The discovery of the RYR3 gene expands their known roles beyond muscle contraction, highlighting their broader importance in cell signaling.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are intracellular calcium (Ca2+) channels.
- They regulate Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, controlling muscle contraction.
- Their role was primarily understood within skeletal and cardiac muscle fibers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent developments in ryanodine receptor research.
- To highlight the expanding understanding of RyR expression and function.
- To discuss the implications of new findings for intracellular Ca2+ signaling.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on ryanodine receptors.
- Analysis of findings regarding RyR expression in the central nervous system.
- Examination of the implications of the RYR3 gene cloning and its isoform distribution.
Main Results:
- Ryanodine receptor channels are expressed in the central nervous system.
- A third ryanodine receptor gene, RYR3, has been cloned.
- The RYR3 isoform shows wide expression across various tissues and cells.
Conclusions:
- The known functions of ryanodine receptors extend beyond muscle cells.
- These channels play a significant role in intracellular Ca2+ signaling in diverse cell types.
- The understanding of ryanodine receptors is evolving towards a central role in cellular communication.