Cracking CRAC

Abstract

CRACR2A is a newly discovered Ca2+binding protein that regulates store-operated Ca2+entry (SOCE). CRACR2A enhances SOCE by promoting the binding of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ sensor STIM to Orai, a Ca 2+channel located in the plasma membrane. As intracellular Ca 2+ levels rise, CRACR2A binds Ca2+and triggers SOCE inactivation by dissociating from the Orai-STIM complex. © 2010 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.