Calcium Entry Channels in Non-Excitable Cells Methods in Signal Transduction Series

Calcium Entry Channels in Non-Excitable Cells focuses on methods of investigating the structure and function of non-voltage gated calcium channels. Each chapter presents important discoveries in calcium entry pathways, specifically dealing with the molecular identification of store-operated calcium channels which were reviewed by earlier volumes in the Methods in Signal Transduction series. Crystallographic and pharmacological approaches to the study of calcium channels of epithelial cells are also discussed. Calcium ion is a messenger in most cell types. Whereas voltage gated calcium channels have been studied extensively, the non-voltage gated calcium entry channel genes have only been identified relatively recently. The book will fill this important niche.

Electrophysiological methods of studying store-operated calcium channels. Genome wide RNAi screens to identify components of calcium entry pathways in insect and mammalian cells. Optical methods to measure store-operated calcium entry through Orai/STIM channels. Determination of structure and subunit composition of Orai/STIM channels by crystallography. Non-Orai interacting partners of STIM proteins. Modulation of Orai/STIM by cellular factors. Function of Orai/STIM proteins studied in transgenic mouse models. TRPV5 and TRPV6 calcium selective channels. Pharmacology of store-operated calcium channels. Role of calcium entry channels in immune cells. Practical methods for separation of store-dependent and independent calcium entry in vitro. Signaling ER store depletion to plasma membrane Orai channels.

Ashot Kozak is Associate Professor of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology in the Department of Biological Sciences at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He received his PhD from Mount Sinai School of Medicine and did a postdoc at the University of California, Irvine. His research focuses upon cation channels expressed in leukocytes; Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels; ion channels involved in nociception.