The InsP receptor: its role in neuronal physiology and neurodegeneration

Abstract

The InsP receptor is a ligand-gated channel that releases Ca from intracellular stores in a variety of cell types, including neurons. Genetic studies from vertebrate and invertebrate model systems suggest that coordinated rhythmic motor functions are most susceptible to changes in Ca release from the InsP receptor. In many cases, the InsP receptor interacts with other signaling mechanisms that control levels of cytosolic Ca, suggesting that the maintenance of Ca homeostasis in normal cells could be controlled by the activity of the InsPR. In support of this idea, recent studies show that altered InsP receptor activity can be partially responsible for Ca dyshomeostasis seen in many neurodegenerative conditions. These observations open new avenues for carrying out genetic and drug screens that target InsPR function in neurodegenerative conditions.