STIM proteins and the endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane junctions. Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Eukaryotic organelles can interact with each other through stable junctions where the two membranes are kept in close apposition. The junction that connects the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane (ER-PM junction) is unique in providing a direct communication link between the ER and the PM. In a recently discovered signaling process, STIM (stromal-interacting molecule) proteins sense a drop in ER Ca(2+) levels and directly activate Orai PM Ca(2+) channels across the junction space. In an inverse process, a voltage-gated PM Ca(2+) channel can directly open ER ryanodine-receptor Ca(2+) channels in striated-muscle cells. Although ER-PM junctions were first described 50 years ago, their broad importance in Ca(2+) signaling, as well as in the regulation of cholesterol and phosphatidylinositol lipid transfer, has only recently been realized. Here, we discuss research from different fields to provide a broad perspective on the structures and unique roles of ER-PM junctions in controlling signaling and metabolic processes.

publication date

  • January 1, 2011

Research

keywords

  • Cell Membrane
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum
  • Membrane Proteins

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC3897197

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 79959437055

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1146/annurev-biochem-061609-165311

PubMed ID

  • 21548779

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 80