Annexins: linking Ca2+ signalling to membrane dynamics.
Eukaryotic cells contain various Ca(2+)-effector proteins that mediate cellular responses to changes in intracellular Ca(2+) levels. A unique class of these proteins - annexins - can bind to certain membrane phospholipids in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner, providing a link between Ca(2+) signalling and membrane functions. By forming networks on the membrane surface, annexins can function as organizers of membrane domains and membrane-recruitment platforms for proteins with which they interact. These and related properties enable annexins to participate in several otherwise unrelated events that range from membrane dynamics to cell differentiation and migration.
Gerke
Volker
V
Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, Germany. gerke@uni-muenster.de
Creutz
Carl E
CE
Moss
Stephen E
SE
D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D017302:Annexins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000502:physiology; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000502:physiology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008958:Models, Molecular; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary
D000199:Actins; D017302:Annexins; D007473:Ion Channels; D002118:Calcium