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Evolutionarily conserved developmental pathways

Ca2+ binding proteins and Ca2+ dependent pathways - conserved systems responsive to the level of Ca2+ ion in the cell

Calmodulin is a protein of primary importance in the regulation of cellular processes dependent on Ca2+. When cellular Ca2+ levels rise, CaM sequesters Ca2+ ions, binding specifically to CaM-binding domains in a variety of proteins. CaM is involved in most of the important signaling pathways in the cell.

CaM targets include:

• cyclic nucleotide metabolism (see Dunce and Rutabaga)
• signal transduction pathways involving phosphorylation (see CamKII)
• dephosphorylation (carried out by calcineurin)
• calcium transport (carried out by the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump)
• nitric oxide pathway (controlling calmodulin sensitive NO synthase)
• regulation of cytoskeletal proteins (Gap-43, NinaC, and zipper, the latter gene regulated by the Ca2+ response myosin light chain kinase)

Most of these systems are evolutionarily conserved, with counterparts in vertebrates as well as non-vertebrate species. The conservation of the principle Ca2+ reactive systems through evolution bespeaks their importance in cell function.

date revised: 24 FEB 97

Developmental Pathways conserved in Evolution

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