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Sci. STKE, 9 April 2002
Vol. 2002, Issue 127, p. pe17
[DOI: 10.1126/stke.2002.127.pe17]

PERSPECTIVES

Calcium Release and Influx in Yeast: TRPC and VGCC Rule Another Kingdom

Myriam Bonilla and Kyle W. Cunningham*

Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.

Summary: Calcium is one of the most ubiquitous second messengers, in addition to being a fundamentally important cofactor for many proteins' functions. Thus, cells from fungi to plants to animals have evolved mechanisms for carefully controlling calcium concentrations in their organelles and cytosol. This perspective discusses the similarities and differences between yeast and animals in cation channels of two families: the transient receptor potential channels (TRPCs) and voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). One of the key differences highlighted is in the channels implicated in the response of yeast and animal cells to depletion of calcium from intracellular stores, and the differences in localization of these channels between yeast and animal cells. Understanding the logic of fungal Ca2+ channels, therefore, may provide new insights into the organization and regulation of cellular calcium signaling networks in animals.

*Corresponding author. Telephone, 410-516-7844; fax, 410-516-5213; e-mail, kwc{at}jhu.edu

Citation: M. Bonilla, K. W. Cunningham, Calcium Release and Influx in Yeast: TRPC and VGCC Rule Another Kingdom. Sci. STKE 2002, pe17 (2002).

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THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
The TRP Superfamily of Cation Channels.
C. Montell (2005)
Sci. STKE 2005, re3
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