DREAM on without calcium
Article Abstract:
Research focusing on transcription from the gene encoding the opioid peptide prodynorphin indicates that transcription is repressed as long as the gene is tightly bound by a protein designated DREAM, a transcriptional repressor. In contrast, when calcium ions occupy the four tailor-made sites on DREAM, it floats off the DNA and permits the expression of the neuropeptide. DREAM was identified by its ability to bind to the downstream-regulatory-element sequence of the prodynorphin gene. It should now be possible to generate antibodies to identify the properties of the endogenous DREAM protein in neuronal cells.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Cytosolic free calcium mediates red light-induced photomorphogenesis
Article Abstract:
Photomorphogenesis, or the physiological process in plants in which red light acts on the receptor phytochrome to change membrane properties and gene expression, is regulated by calcium. A rise and fall in free calcium levels in the cytosol have been found to come before and after photomorphogenesis. This discovery bears out the view that phytochrome-controlled signals are transduced by calcium as well as illuminating a difficult problem in plant growth and physiology.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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Calcium - a life and death signal: One of the most versatile and universal signalling agents in the human body is the calcium ion, Ca(super2+)
Article Abstract:
Ca(super2+) signals need to be flexible although precisely regulated to coordinate all their functions. Ca(super2+) is a signal for both life and death, and single transients are used to activate certain cellular processes. Ca(super2+) is also pivotal in receiving and transmitting neuronal signals, and has been implicated in both stimulating and depressing nervous signal transmission.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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