| Summary: | Oscillatory fluctuations in the cytosolic concentration of free calcium ions (Ca2+) are considered a ubiquitous mechanism for controlling multiple cellular processes. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors (IP3R) are intracellular Ca2+ release channels that mediate Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ stores. The three IP3R subtypes described so far exhibit differential structural, biophysical, and biochemical properties. Subtype specific regulation of IP3R by the endogenous modulators IP3, Ca2+, protein kinases and associated proteins have been thoroughly examined. In this article we will review the contribution of each IP3R subtype in shaping cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations.
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