Ca-Release Channels (Ryanodine Receptors) of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum: Structure and Properties. A Review

A. M. Rubtsov^1,2 and M. A. Batrukova¹

¹Department of Biochemistry, School of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119899 Russia; fax: (095) 939-3955; E-mail: amr@atpase.bio.msu.su

²To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Submitted May 12, 1997; revision submitted June 10, 1997.

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Recent data on characteristics of the structure, function, and regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-release channels (ryanodine receptors) from various types of muscles are summarized. The history of identification and purification of Ca-release channels, the properties of isoforms expressed in various tissues, their electric characteristics, and regulation by endogenous and exogenous compounds are described. The phosphorylation of Ca-release channels by protein kinases and their interaction with various intracellular regulatory proteins are discussed. The proposed mechanisms of excitation--contraction coupling and the role of the Ca-release channels in this process are analyzed.

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KEY WORDS: sarcoplasmic reticulum, Ca-release channels, ryanodine receptors, excitation--contraction coupling.

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