STIM2

Article summary

Stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM2) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the STIM2 gene. This gene is a member of the stromal interaction molecule (STIM) family which comprises only two members together with its homologue STIM1, and likely arose from a common ancestral gene. They encode type 1 transmembrane proteins that are located in the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (SR / ER) into the cell. Alternative translation initiation from an AUG and a non-AUG (UUG) start site results in the production of two different STIM2 isoforms. Both members of the STIM family were identified in 2005 as free-calcium (Ca 2+ ) sensors which participate in a mechanism of Ca 2+ entry into the cell referred to as store-operated Ca 2+ entry (SOCE). Many cellular processes and signaling pathways are started by previous release of Ca 2+ stored in subcellular organelles, which needs continuous refilling. SOCE is considered the mechanism of store refilling and an essential mechanism of Ca 2+ signaling in non-electrically excitable cells. While STIM1 triggers SOCE, research on STIM2 function suggests a major role as feedback regulator that stabilizes basal cytosolic and S/ER Ca 2+ concentration [Ca 2+ ].…

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