Abstract
The chapter starts with a description of cell organelles and transporters involved in the intracellular flow of intracellular free Ca2+. It lists the different Ca2+-binding proteins and the composition of the Ca2+-binding domains (EF hand, C2 domain, or others). The chapter provides examples of fluorescent Ca2+ indicators, ranging from historical aequorin to the very sensitive genetically encoded GCaMP6 protein. It shows the membrane topology of the many different Ca2+ channels, with special emphasis on the IP3 and ryanodine receptors, and how, in cooperation with pumps (Ca2+-ATPases), they orchestrate different patterns of Ca2+ oscillating (blips, puffs, spikes, or waves). The chapter elaborates on the structure of the Ca2+/calmodulin kinase holoenzyme and how the length of the linker region may determine the sensitivity of protein kinase isoforms for specific frequencies of Ca2+ oscillations. The chapter also places Ca2+ signaling in the context of secretion and cell migration, including a short excursion about Michael Abercrombie.
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