Role of Orai‐family channels in the activation and regulation of transcriptional activity
Joel Nieto‐Felipe, Alvaro Macias‐Díaz, José Sánchez-Collado, Alejandro Berna‐Erro, Isaac Jardín, Ginés M. Salido, José J. López, Juan A. Rosado
Abstract
Abstract Store operated Ca 2+ entry (SOCE) is a cornerstone for the maintenance of intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis and the regulation of a variety of cellular functions. SOCE is mediated by STIM and Orai proteins following the activation of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors. Then, a reduction of the endoplasmic reticulum intraluminal Ca 2+ concentration is sensed by STIM proteins, which undergo a conformational change and activate plasma membrane Ca 2+ channels comprised by Orai proteins. STIM1/Orai‐mediated Ca 2+ signals are finely regulated and modulate the activity of different transcription factors, including certain isoforms of the nuclear factor of activated T‐cells, the cAMP‐response element binding protein, the nuclear factor κ‐light chain‐enhancer of activated B cells, c‐fos, and c‐myc. These transcription factors associate SOCE with a plethora of signaling events and cellular functions. Here we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the role of Orai channels in the regulation of transcription factors through Ca 2+ ‐dependent signaling pathways.