The mechanisms of Stim1 translocation in the activation of calcium entry. (360G-Wellcome-080910_Z_06_Z)

A change in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration is an important signalling mechanism that regulates diverse cellular processes. One mechanism for increased Ca2+ entry into cells occurs in response to the emptying of ER Ca2+ stores and involves the ER Ca2+ sensing protein STIM1 and its translocation to the plasma membrane. The first objective is to examine if STIM1 translocation can be observed in HeLa cells in response to store depletion and ATP depletion and to determine whether it inserts into the plasma membrane. The second objective is to investigate the mechanism through which STIM1 moves to and inserts into the plasma membrane. The third objective is to identify novel STIM1-interacting partners that may be involved in translocation or regulation of STIM1. The fourth objective is to examine the dynamic interaction between STIM1 and Orai1.