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Ligand-gated calcium channels inside and out
1Department of Physiology, Universityof Connecticut, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-3505, USA.
Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Calcium release from intracellular stores involves ryanodine and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors. This process activates plasma membrane channels, identified as store-operated or calcium release-activated channels.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Physiology
Background:
- Intracellular calcium release is crucial for cellular signaling.
- Calcium release occurs via ryanodine receptors (RyR) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3R).
- These channels are regulated by allosteric mechanisms and associated proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular and functional characteristics of calcium release-activated channels.
- To understand the role of intracellular calcium stores in regulating plasma membrane ion channels.
Main Methods:
- Focus on molecular and functional characterization.
- Analysis of calcium release mechanisms from intracellular stores.
- Investigation of plasma membrane channel activation following calcium release.
Main Results:
- Identified specific channels responsible for calcium influx across the plasma membrane.
- Characterized the function of store-operated calcium channels (SOC).
- Demonstrated the link between intracellular calcium release and plasma membrane channel activity.
Conclusions:
- Store-operated channels (SOC) or calcium release-activated channels are key mediators of calcium influx.
- Understanding these channels is vital for comprehending cellular calcium homeostasis.
- Further research into the molecular regulation of these channels is warranted.