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Signal transduction versus buffering activity in Ca2+–binding proteins

Abstract

The three–dimensional structure of calbindin D9k in the absence of Ca2+ has been determined using NMR spectroscopy in solution, allowing the first direct analysis of the consequences of Ca2+ binding for a member of the calmodulin superfamily of proteins. The overall response in calbindin D9k is much attenuated relative to the current model for calmodulin and troponin C. These results demonstrate a novel mechanism for modulating the conformational response to Ca2+–binding in calmodulin superfamily proteins and provide insights into how their Ca2+–binding domains can be fine–tuned to remain essentially intact or respond strongly to ion binding, in relation to their functional requirements.

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Skelton, N., Kördel, J., Akke, M. et al. Signal transduction versus buffering activity in Ca2+–binding proteins. Nat Struct Mol Biol 1, 239–245 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1038/nsb0494-239

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