Novel Compartment Implicated in Calcium Signaling—Is It an "Induced Coupling Domain"?

Chihiro Hisatsune¹ and Katsuhiko Mikoshiba^1,2,3*

¹Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI), 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako City, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
²Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, 3-4-1, Shirokane-dai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan.
³Calcium Oscillation Project, ICORP, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 3 Nibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0084, Japan.

Summary: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is not simply a uniform continuous organelle, but is spatially and functionally heterogeneous with nonuniform distribution of endoplasmic Ca²⁺-handling proteins, such as Ca²⁺-binding proteins, Ca²⁺ pumps, and Ca²⁺-release channels. Such nonuniform distribution of Ca²⁺-handling proteins is thought to create a spatially divided calcium store and to contribute to the generation of complex intracellular Ca²⁺ dynamics. In addition to the particular distribution of these Ca²⁺-handling proteins within ER, extracellular stimuli may also stimulate the formation of dynamic new ER compartments containing Ca²⁺-handling proteins. These compartments containing Ca²⁺-handling proteins have potential roles in Ca²⁺ signaling; specifically, they may function as "induced coupling domains" between the ER and plasma membrane, thereby allowing Ca²⁺ entry into the ER.

*Corresponding author. E-mail, mikosiba{at}ims.u-tokyo.ac.jp

The editors suggest the following Related Resources on Science sites:

In Science Signaling

EDITORS' CHOICE
Calcium
Too Close for Molecular Comfort

Elizabeth M. Adler (9 October 2007)
Sci. STKE 2007 (407), tw363. [DOI: 10.1126/stke.4072007tw363]
 |  Abstract »

EDITORS' CHOICE
Channels
Identifying the CRAC Channel

Elizabeth M. Adler (19 September 2006)
Sci. STKE 2006 (353), tw325. [DOI: 10.1126/stke.3532006tw325]
 |  Abstract »

EDITORIAL GUIDES
Focus Issue: Signaling Across Membranes

Nancy R. Gough (6 December 2005)
Sci. STKE 2005 (313), eg11. [DOI: 10.1126/stke.3132005eg11]
 |  Abstract »  |  Full Text »  |  PDF »

PERSPECTIVES
Toward a Consensus on the Operation of Receptor-Induced Calcium Entry Signals

Donald L. Gill and Randen L. Patterson (27 July 2004)
Sci. STKE 2004 (243), pe39. [DOI: 10.1126/stke.2432004pe39]
 |  Abstract »  |  Full Text »  |  PDF »

FORUMS
E-Conference: Defining Calcium Entry Signals

Response

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES: