Calcium-binding protein
Calcium-binding proteins are proteins that participate in calcium cell signalling pathways by binding to Ca2+.
Many different calcium-binding proteins exist, with different cellular and tissue distribution and involvement in specific functions.[1]
The most ubiquitous Ca2+-sensing protein, found in all eukaryotic organisms including yeasts, is calmodulin.
Intracellular storage and release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum is associated with the high-capacity, low-affinity calcium-binding protein calsequestrin.[2]
With their role in signal transduction, calcium-binding proteins contribute to all aspects of the cell's functioning, from homeostasis to learning and memory.
For example, the neuron-specific calexcitin has been found to have an excitatory effect on neurons, and interacts with proteins that control the firing state of neurons, such as the voltage-dependent potassium channel.[3]
Compartmentalization of calcium binding proteins has been noted within cells, suggesting that these proteins perform distinct functions in localized calcium signaling.[4] It also indicates that in addition to freely diffusing through the cytoplasm to attain a homogeneous distribution, calcium binding proteins can bind to cellular structures through interactions that are likely important for their functions.[4]
See also
References
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Siegel, George (Ed.). Basic neurochemistry: molecular, cellular and medical aspects. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins / 1999 ISBN 0-397-51820-X
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
External links
- Calcium-Binding Proteins at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
