intracellularly calcium-gated chloride channel activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Enables the transmembrane transfer of chloride by a channel that opens in response to stimulus by a calcium ion or ions. Transport by a channel involves catalysis of facilitated diffusion of a solute (by an energy-independent process) involving passage through a transmembrane aqueous pore or channel, without evidence for a carrier-mediated mechanism. [GOC:mtg_transport, PMID:29236691]

Intracellularly calcium-gated chloride channel activity is a molecular function that involves the regulated movement of chloride ions (Cl-) across cell membranes in response to changes in intracellular calcium concentration. This process is essential for a wide range of physiological functions, including neuronal excitability, muscle contraction, and cell volume regulation.

The molecular mechanism underlying this activity typically involves a specialized transmembrane protein known as a calcium-gated chloride channel. These channels are typically closed in the absence of calcium, but upon an increase in intracellular calcium concentration, they undergo a conformational change that opens the channel pore, allowing chloride ions to flow across the membrane.

The direction of chloride ion movement is determined by the electrochemical gradient across the membrane. In most cases, chloride ions flow out of the cell, resulting in hyperpolarization of the membrane potential. This hyperpolarization can have a variety of effects on cellular function, depending on the specific cell type and the context in which the channel is activated.

For example, in neurons, calcium-gated chloride channels play a role in regulating the frequency and duration of action potentials. In muscle cells, they contribute to the relaxation of muscle fibers after contraction. And in epithelial cells, they help to maintain cell volume and fluid balance.

The activity of calcium-gated chloride channels is tightly regulated by a variety of factors, including intracellular calcium concentration, membrane potential, and the presence of specific signaling molecules. This intricate regulation ensures that chloride ion movement is precisely controlled to meet the specific needs of the cell.

Mutations in genes encoding calcium-gated chloride channels can lead to a variety of human diseases, including epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, and cystic fibrosis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying intracellularly calcium-gated chloride channel activity is therefore crucial for developing effective treatments for these disorders.'
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (7)