Optimal ion channel clustering for intracellular calcium signaling

doi:10.1073/pnas.0236032100

Optimal ion channel clustering for intracellular calcium signaling

J. W. Shuai* and
P. Jung

Department of Physics and Astronomy and Quantitative Biology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701

Edited by John Ross, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, and approved November 21, 2002 (received for review October 7, 2002)

Abstract

Ion channels and receptors in the cell membranes and internal membranes are often distributed in discrete clusters. One particularly well-studied example is the distribution of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors in the plasma membrane that controls the flux of Ca²⁺ from the endoplasmic reticulum into the cytosol. By using mathematical modeling, we show that channel clustering can enhance the cell's Ca²⁺ signaling capability. Furthermore, we predict optimal signaling cellular capability at cluster sizes and distances that agree with experimentally found values in Xenopus oocyte.

Footnotes

↵ * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: shuai{at}helios.phy.ohiou.edu.
This paper was submitted directly (Track II) to the PNAS office.
Abbreviations:
1. ER, endoplasmic reticulum
2. IP₃, inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate
3. IP₃R, IP₃ receptor
4. [Ca²⁺], Ca²⁺ concentration