Alternative Mechanisms for Fast Na⁺/Ca²⁺ Signaling in Eukaryotes via a Novel Class of Single-Domain Voltage-Gated Channels.

ABSTRACT: Rapid Na⁺/Ca²⁺-based action potentials govern essential cellular functions in eukaryotes, from the motile responses of unicellular protists, such as Paramecium [1, 2], to complex animal neuromuscular activity [3]. A key innovation underpinning this fundamental signaling process has been the evolution of four-domain voltage-gated Na⁺/Ca²⁺ channels (4D-Ca_vs/Na_vs). These channels are widely distributed across eukaryote diversity [4], albeit several eukaryotes, including land plants and fungi, have lost voltage-sensitive 4D-Ca_v/Na_vs [5-7]. Because these lineages appear to lack rapid Na⁺/Ca²⁺-based action potentials, 4D-Ca_v/Na_vs are generally considered necessary f

SUBMITTER: Helliwell KE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6509283 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature