Description:

Title "SNAREing the Ion Channel Pore Subunits for Assembly on Demand."

Abstract: Calcium release activated calcium (CRAC) channels constitute a major source of receptor induced sustained calcium flux in T lymphocytes and many other cells. We have found that the pore subunit of CRAC channels displays flexible stoichiometry and assembles on-site, upon stimulation. We further show that the correct assembly of CRAC channel pore requires association with specific synaptic family proteins such as SNAPs and SNAREs. Thus our studies have potentially identified a SNARE mediated novel mechanism of regulation of ion channel pore subunits. Furthermore, we offer a glimpse into potential mechanisms underlying SCID and/or autoimmunity observed in human patients harboring point mutations in molecular components of CRAC channels.

Guest Speaker: Monika Vig, PhD, Associate Professor, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Hyderabad, India. 

Faculty Host: Murali Prakriya, PhD, Magerstadt Professor of Pharmacology, Professor of Pharmacology and Medicine (Allergy and Immunology).