Session 2: Cellular Domains that Contribute to the Calcium Entry Events

24 May 2004

E-Conference Chairpersons

This session is focused on the main question of what is known about the cellular domains contributing to the transduction of signals into calcium entry events.

Specific issues include

(a) The role of specific organelles:

Do endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, or other cellular organelles have direct or indirect input into the activation of plasma membrane calcium entry channels?

(b) Local signaling domains:

Do localized domains (lipid rafts or organized signaling complexes) define operational coupling domains required for the activation of calcium entry?

(c) The role of trafficking events:

Do dynamic changes in the translocation or organization of membranes or the proteins within them contribute to control of calcium entry signals?

(d) The influence of local calcium signals:

Are diffusionally restricted calcium release or entry events important in the activation or deactivation of calcium entry channels?