Mechanism of calcium gating in small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels

Article Abstract:

Slow afterhyperpolarization following an action potential is mediated by small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SK channels), restricting the firing frequency of repetitive action potentials. The mechanism of calcium gating has been studied and it was found that SK channels are not gated by calcium binding directly to channel alpha-subunits, but are heteromeric compounds with calmodulin which is linked with alpha-subunits in a calcium-independent way.

Observations, Calcium ions

---

Missing link in ion channels

Article Abstract:

New phylogenetic evidence bears out the hypothesis that a primordial four-domain calcium 2+ ion channel developed from an earlier single-domain gene and that genetic diversification generated the first sodium plus ion channel. Inherent in this model is the historical reality of functional two-domain channels. The model also explains why potassium channels have only one domain. Which channel was the first to evolve has yet to be determined.

Ion channels, Origin, Sodium channels

---

P/Q-type calcium channels mediate the activity-dependent feedback of syntaxin-1A

Article Abstract:

The selective influx of calcium via P/Q type calcium channels activates the expression of syntaxin-1A. Syntaxin-1A is a presynaptic protein which mediates vesicle docking, fusion and the release of neurotransmitters. The release of calcium from intracellular stores amplifies the calcium signal. There are indications that the nervous system's synaptic efficacy and function may be regulated by an activity-dependent feedback pathway.

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Cell-to-cell spread of calcium signals mediated by ATP receptors in mast cells. ATP joins the fast lane
• Abstracts: Enhancing protein C interaction with thrombin results in a clot-activated anticoagulant. The thrombin paradox
• Abstracts: Revealing the patterns of macroevolution. An early Silurian vascular plant
• Abstracts: An automated approach to generating expressed sequence catalogues
• Abstracts: Amelioration of the dystrophic phenotype of mdx mice using a truncated utrophin transgene. Efficient adenovirus-mediated transfer of a human minidystrophin gene to skeletal muscle of mdx mice

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.