Aequorin
A calcium-activated photoprotein
Aequorin is a calcium-binding protein that emits light upon binding with calcium ions. It is a bioluminescent protein originally isolated from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria. Aequorin is widely used in biochemistry and cell biology to measure calcium concentrations in biological systems.
Structure
Aequorin is composed of a single polypeptide chain that binds to a chromophore called coelenterazine. The protein has a unique structure that allows it to undergo a conformational change upon binding calcium ions, which results in the oxidation of coelenterazine and the emission of blue light. The structure of aequorin has been determined by X-ray crystallography, revealing a compact, globular shape.
Mechanism of Action
Aequorin functions as a calcium indicator by undergoing a chemical reaction in the presence of calcium ions. When calcium binds to aequorin, it triggers the oxidation of coelenterazine, leading to the production of coelenteramide, carbon dioxide, and blue light. This luminescent reaction is highly specific to calcium, making aequorin a valuable tool for measuring calcium levels in living cells.
Applications
Aequorin is used extensively in biological research to study calcium signaling pathways. It is employed in neuroscience to monitor calcium dynamics in neurons, in cardiology to study calcium's role in heart muscle contraction, and in pharmacology to screen for drugs that affect calcium channels. Aequorin's ability to provide real-time measurements of calcium concentrations makes it an essential tool in cell physiology.
History
Aequorin was first isolated in the early 1960s by Osamu Shimomura, who later received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on bioluminescence. The discovery of aequorin and its properties has significantly advanced the field of calcium imaging and has led to the development of other calcium-sensitive indicators.
Related pages
Gallery
-
Structure of Aequorin
Ad. Transform your life with W8MD's Budget GLP-1 injections from $75
W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:
- Weight loss injections in NYC (generic and brand names):
- Zepbound / Mounjaro, Wegovy / Ozempic, Saxenda
- Most insurances accepted or discounted self-pay rates. We will obtain insurance prior authorizations if needed.
- Generic GLP1 weight loss injections from $75 for the starting dose.
- Also offer prescription weight loss medications including Phentermine, Qsymia, Diethylpropion, Contrave etc.
NYC weight loss doctor appointmentsNYC weight loss doctor appointments
Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.
- Call 718-946-5500 to lose weight in NYC or for medical weight loss in Philadelphia 215-676-2334.
- Tags:NYC medical weight loss, Philadelphia lose weight Zepbound NYC, Budget GLP1 weight loss injections, Wegovy Philadelphia, Wegovy NYC, Philadelphia medical weight loss, Brookly weight loss and Wegovy NYC
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
