Emerging functions of the Ca2+ buffers parvalbumin, calbindin D-28k and calretinin in the brain

Abstract

Together with the ubiquitous calmodulin (CaM), the EF-hand containing calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs), parvalbumin (PV), calbindin D-28k (CB), and calretinin (CR), are the most abundantly expressed members of this family in the brain. Formerly, they were classified as simple buffers serving to clamp the intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+]i. But recent studies often using transgenic mice have revealed these molecules to play pivotal roles in Ca2+ homeostasis and signaling. And research conducted during the last 5 years indicates that they are important for synaptic plasticity and related rhythmic activities within neuronal networks. For CB, an additional modulator role in inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP 3)-signaling pathways was reported, indicating additional sensor functions. In this chapter, I summarize the current knowledge on the three CaBPs in the brain revealing their important roles in the CNS. © 2007 Springer-Verlag US.