Store Operated Calcium Channels

Calcium Entry Channels in Non-Excitable Cells focuses on methods of investigating the structure and function of non-voltage gated calcium channels. Each chapter presents important discoveries in calcium entry pathways, specifically dealing with the molecular identification of store-operated calcium channels which were reviewed by earlier volumes in the Methods in Signal Transduction series. Crystallographic and pharmacological approaches to the study of calcium channels of epithelial cells are also discussed. Calcium ion is a messenger in most cell types. Whereas voltage gated calcium channels have been studied extensively, the non-voltage gated calcium entry channel genes have only been identified relatively recently. The book will fill this important niche.

Store-operated calcium channels are found in most animal cells and regulate many cellular functions including cell division, growth, differentiation, and cell death. This volume provides a concise and informative overview of the principles of store-operated calcium entry and the key developments in the field from researchers who have led these advances. The overall goal of the volume is to provide interested students and investigators with sufficient information to enable a broad understanding of the progress and current excitement in the field. The volume contains a wealth of information that even experienced investigators in the field will find useful. The volume provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms and functions of store-operated calcium channels Contributors are authoritative researchers who have produced important advances in the field The volume is well-illustrated with cartoons and data to facilitate easy comprehension of the subject

Scientific developments in recent years have led to significant strides and advancements within the medical field. By integrating these findings into medical practice, optimal healthcare can be delivered to the public. Emerging Applications, Perspectives, and Discoveries in Cardiovascular Research is a comprehensive reference source for the latest academic material on the exploration of cardiovascular diseases and provides an interdisciplinary examination of novel developments and applications for cardiovascular sciences. Highlighting a range of diverse topics, such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, and alternative medicine, this book is ideally designed for researchers, professionals, practitioners, graduate students, and academics interested in the latest medical advancements.

Calcium entry pathways in non-excitable cells presents a concise synthesis of thoughtfully selected topics covering from the different calcium entry mechanisms in non-excitable cells to the cellular microdomains and organelles regulating the calcium entry process. Particular attention is given to the fascinating group of ion channels involved in different calcium entry pathways as well as the emerging role of these channels in human disease. Calcium entry is an essential mechanism for cellular function in non-excitable cells. In general, two main calcium entry pathways exist in non-excitable cells: one pathway, named store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) requires store depletion and the second pathway is regulated by receptor occupation, but independently on calcium store depletion. The search for the molecular components of calcium entry has identified the stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), as the calcium sensor of the intracellular calcium stores, and Orai as well as TRP channels as the calcium-permeable channels located in the plasma membrane. The location, interactions and function of these channels are finely regulated by a number of scaffolding proteins, membrane microdomains and cellular organelles that fine tune the amount of calcium entering the cell. Cutting-edge and user-friendly, this volume presents relevant background information, critical analysis of the current observations and directions for future research. The book is intended for basic scientists specializing in cellular biology or ion transport, as well as for biomedical researchers.

Since the first TRP ion channel was discovered in Drosophila melanogaster in 1989, the progress made in this area of signaling research has yielded findings that offer the potential to dramatically impact human health and wellness. Involved in gateway activity for all five of our senses, TRP channels have been shown to respond to a wide range of stimuli from both within and outside the cell body. How we sense heat and cold, how we taste food, how eggs are fertilized, how the heart expands and contracts is each dependent on the function of these channels. While no single book could possibly cover all the research being undertaken, TRP Ion Channel Function in Sensory Transduction and Cellular Signaling Cascades presents the most advanced compilation of work in this area to date. All 31 chapters are written by international pioneers working at the vanguard of TRP ion channel research. They explain much about the pivotal function and behavior of these channels, which are most exquisitely tuned to their specific tasks, and delve into how researchers are putting this knowledge to use in the development of novel pharmaceuticals, which may well prove effective in ameliorating treatment-resistant conditions including cancer, heart disease, inflammation, and immune system dysfunctions. Individual chapters shed light on selected topics of interest in the TRP arena, such as signal transduction in axonal path-finding, and in vascular, renal, and auditory functions, as well as pain. The text also covers subjects as diverse as mating and fertilization, inflammatory pain, and mechanisms of pheromone detection in mammals. While the book presents much new insight and explores findings that will be of interest to those involved with advanced research, it also includes significant background material for those looking to familiarize themselves with this exceptionally promising path of inquiry.