Keeping calcium levels high in the endoplasmic reticulum is critical for protein synthesis and folding, and cellular functions such as smooth muscle contraction and T lymphocyte differentiation and proliferation depend upon calcium entry. Most cells utilize a pathway called store-operated calcium entry, whereby the emptying of intracellular calcium stores opens calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels in the plasma membrane, allowing the influx of extracellular calcium to replenish stores in the endoplasmic reticulum.
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Two groups reveal an essential messenger in store-operated calcium entry.
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