Year: 2013
Type: review
Abstract: Calcium (Ca(2)(+)) signals are involved in the regulation of oocyte maturation and play a critical role during fertilization. In the egg, Ca(2)(+) is stored in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and a signal is generated when the stored Ca(2)(+) is released through specialized channels in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum to elevate the free Ca(2)(+) concentration in the cytoplasm. Extracellular Ca(2)(+) is also important, indicated by the fact that the mobilization of luminal Ca(2)(+) is typically followed by Ca(2)(+) entry across the plasma membrane. The transmembrane Ca(2)(+) flux replenishes the endoplasmic reticulum, and thus, it is essential to sustain prolonged Ca(2)(+) signals. It also seems to be responsible for the stimulation of important signaling cascades required for complete egg activation. Characterization of the pathway that mediates Ca(2)(+) entry implies that its major components include STIM1, a protein that senses the filling status of the stores, and ORAI1, a channel protein located in the plasma membrane. Defining the mechanism and functions of Ca(2)(+) entry will not only lead to a better understanding of egg physiology but may also help improving the efficiency of a number of assisted reproductive technologies.
Source: Reproduction
DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0496
Authors: Chunmin Wang, Zoltan Machaty
Institutions: Purdue University West Lafayette, Purdue University System
Language: English
Topic: Ion Channels and Receptors
Subfield: Sensory Systems
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Awards: G3153070493, G3702961142
OpenAlex ID: W2141935962