title: Store-operated cation channels in the heart and cells of the cardiovascular system.
abstract: In many nonexcitable cells, activation of phospholipase C (PLC)-linked receptors results in a release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores followed by a transmembrane Ca(2+) entry. This Ca(2+) entry underlies the sustained phase of [Ca(2+)](i) increase, is important for various cellular functions including gene expression, secretion and cell proliferation, and is supported by agonist-activated Ca(2+)-permeable ion channels. Ca(2+)-permeable channels which are activated by store depletion and which are therefore referred to as store- operated channels or SOCs form a major pathway for agonist-induced Ca(2+) influx. So far, the molecular structures of these channels have not been identified. Potential candidates are encoded by members of the TRP family, a class of ion channels initially discovered in Drosophila and involved in the PLC-dependent transduction of visual stimuli. Here, we review recent evidence that agonist-induced Ca(2+) influx and especially SOCs are present in different cell types of the heart and of the cardiovascular system and compare these findings with the possible functions and tissue-specific expression of mammalian TRP proteins.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg, Deutschland. Marc.Freichel@med-rz.uni-sb.de
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Freichel
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Schweig
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stauffenberger
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Freise
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Schorb
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Flockerzi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D015220:Calcium Channels