Transmembrane Ca2+ gradient and function of membrane proteins

Abstract

This review will focus on the recent advance in the study of effect of transmembrane Ca2+ gradient on the function of membrane proteins. It consits of two parts: 1. Transmembrane Ca2+ gradient and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase; 2. Effect of transmembrane Ca2+ gradient on the components and coupling of cAMP signal transduction pathway. The results obtained indicate that a proper transmembrane Ca2+ gradient may play an important role in modulating the conformation and activity of SR Ca2+-ATPase and the function of membrane proteins involved in the cAMP signal transduction by mediating the physical state change of the membrane phospholipids. © 1995 Plenum Publishing Corporation.