Review: Structure and Activation Mechanisms of CRAC Channels

Abstract

Ca2+ release activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels represent a primary pathway for Ca2+ to enter non-excitable cells. The two key players in this process are the stromal interaction molecule (STIM), a Ca2+ sensor embedded in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum, and Orai, a highly Ca2+ selective ion channel located in the plasma membrane. Upon depletion of the internal Ca2+ stores, STIM is activated, oligomerizes, couples to and activates Orai. This review provides an overview of novel findings about the CRAC channel activation mechanisms, structure and gating. In addition, it highlights, among diverse STIM and Orai mutants, also the disease-related mutants and their implications.