title: New insights into the activation mechanism of store-operated calcium channels: roles of STIM and Orai.
abstract: The activation of Ca2+ entry through store-operated channels by agonists that deplete Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a ubiquitous signaling mechanism, the molecular basis of which has remained elusive for the past two decades. Store-operated Ca2+-release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels constitute the sole pathway for Ca2+ entry following antigen-receptor engagement. In a set of breakthrough studies over the past two years, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1, the ER Ca2+ sensor) and Orai1 (a pore-forming subunit of the CRAC channel) have been identified. Here we review these recent studies and the insights they provide into the mechanism of store-operated Ca2+ channels (SOCCs).
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular, Xinqiao Hospital, University of the Third Military Medical, Chongqing 400037, China. grw771210@163.com
authors.forename: Rui-wei
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Lan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Huang