| 会長招聘講演 |
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| 2L3
Neuronal calcium sensor proteins：contribution to the diversity of neuronal calcium signaling
Takamatsu Ken
Dept. of Physiology, Toho University School of Medicine
Calcium signaling has crucial roles in the control of neural function, and its abnormalities have been implicated in many aspects of neuropathology, neurodegeneration and psychiatric disorders. Ca2+-regulated events occur within microseconds and persist over longer time scales, ranging from minutes to days. The specificity of the effects of Ca2+ on neuronal function is determined by the magnitude, kinetics and spatial localization of the Ca2+ signal. The transduction of changes in Ca2+ signaling requires Ca2+-binding proteins. Neurons express a large number of Ca2+ sensor proteins ranging from synaptotagmin and annexins to over 250 different EF-hand containing proteins. The ubiquitous protein calmodulin is a well-characterized EF-hand containing protein with neuronal functions. A number of other EF-hand containing proteins are enriched or expressed only in the nervous system, where they have distinct roles in the regulation of neuronal function. These include the neuronal calcium sensor（NCS）protein family, members of which have been implicated in a very wide range of Ca2+ signaling events in neurons and photoreceptors. These range from very specific single functions for particular NCS proteins in the retina to more broad ranging functions in neurotransmitter release, channel and receptor regulation, control of gene transcription, neuronal growth and survival.A key issue regarding the NCS proteins is how they can differentially affect specific aspects of neuronal function. NCS protein function is determined by several factors according to their intrinsic properties, including their ability to interact with and regulate different target proteins. Here, I will discuss recent advances in the understanding of their physiological roles and the underlying target protein interactions that determine their specific functions. I will also highlight the abnormalities that have been implicated in many aspects of neuropathology, neurodegeneration and psychiatric disorders. | | | |
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