CaM

CaM or Calmodulin is a calcium-binding messenger protein expressed in all eukaryotic cells. It is involved in regulating numerous cellular processes and is a primary receptor of calcium signals.

Structure

Calmodulin is a small, highly conserved protein that is 148 amino acids long. The protein has two approximately symmetrical globular domains, each of which can bind two calcium ions.

Function

Calmodulin mediates processes such as inflammation, metabolism, apoptosis, smooth muscle contraction, intracellular movement, short-term and long-term memory, nerve growth and the immune response. It does this by binding to and regulating a multitude of different protein targets.

Interactions

Calmodulin can interact with a variety of different proteins, including protein kinases, phosphatases, nitric oxide synthase, and ryanodine receptors. It can also bind to the plasma membrane, cytoskeleton, and chromatin.

Clinical significance

Alterations in calmodulin function can lead to diseases such as arrhythmia, heart failure, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer.

See also

• Calcium signaling
• Calmodulin kinase
• Calmodulin in target cells

References

CaM Resources
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