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Transport-dependent calcium signaling in spatially segregated cellular caveolar domains
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Transport-dependent calcium signaling in spatially segregated cellular caveolar domains

Dihui Hong, Dov Jaron, Donald G Buerk and Kenneth A Barbee
American Journal of Physiology: Cell Physiology, v 294(3), pp C856-866
Mar 2008
PMID: 18160488

Abstract

Calcium - metabolism Caveolae - metabolism Endothelial Cells - metabolism Cells, Cultured Endoplasmic Reticulum - metabolism Animals Time Factors Cattle Models, Biological Adenosine Triphosphate - metabolism Cell Shape Computer Simulation TRPC Cation Channels - metabolism Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III - metabolism Diffusion Endothelial Cells - enzymology Calcium Signaling
We developed a two-dimensional model of transport-dependent intracellular calcium signaling in endothelial cells (ECs). Our purpose was to evaluate the effects of spatial colocalization of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and capacitative calcium entry (CCE) channels in caveolae on eNOS activation in response to ATP. Caveolae are specialized microdomains of the plasma membrane that contain a variety of signaling molecules to optimize their interactions and regulate their activity. In ECs, these molecules include CCE channels and eNOS. To achieve a quantitative understanding of the mechanisms of microdomain calcium signaling and the preferential sensitivity of eNOS to calcium entering the cell through CCE channels, we constructed a mathematical model incorporating the cell morphology and cellular physiological processes. The model predicts that the spatial segregation of calcium channels in ECs can create transport-dependent sharp gradients in calcium concentration within the cell. The calcium concentration gradient is affected by channel density and cell geometry. This transport-dependent calcium signaling specificity effect is enhanced in ECs by increasing the spatial segregation of the caveolar signaling domains. Our simulation significantly advances the understanding of how Ca2+, despite its many potential actions, can mediate selective activation of signaling pathways. We show that diffusion-limited calcium transport allows functional compartmentalization of signaling pathways based on the spatial arrangements of Ca2+ sources and targets.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Cell Biology
Physiology
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