Structural aspects of calcium-release activated calcium channel function.

ABSTRACT: Store-operated calcium (Ca(2+)) entry is the process by which molecules located on the endo/sarcoplasmic reticulum (ER/SR) respond to decreased luminal Ca(2+) levels by signaling Ca(2+) release activated Ca(2+) channels (CRAC) channels to open on the plasma membrane (PM). This activation of PM CRAC channels provides a sustained cytosolic Ca(2+) elevation associated with myriad physiological processes. The identities of the molecules which mediate SOCE include stromal interaction molecules (STIMs), functioning as the ER/SR luminal Ca(2+) sensors, and Orai proteins, forming the PM CRAC channels. This review examines the current available high-resolution structural information on these CRAC molecular components with particular focus on the solution structures of the luminal STIM Ca(2+) sensin

SUBMITTER: Stathopulos PB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3913758 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep-Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature