CALMODULIN KINASE Meaning and
Definition
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Calmodulin kinase, also known as CaMK, is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in various cellular signaling pathways. It belongs to the family of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases and is activated by the binding of calcium ions and the calcium-binding protein calmodulin.
The enzyme calmodulin kinase is involved in regulating numerous cellular processes such as gene expression, synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitter release, muscle contraction, and immune response. It functions by phosphorylating specific proteins, thereby altering their activity and function. This process occurs when calcium influx triggers the activation of calmodulin, which then interacts with and activates calmodulin kinases.
Calmodulin kinase is found in different isoforms, each with specific tissue distribution and distinct functions. These isoforms include CaMKI, CaMKII, CaMKIII, and CaMKIV. They exhibit unique substrate specificities and are involved in different signaling cascades and cellular responses.
Abnormal regulation of calmodulin kinase activity has been linked to various diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Therefore, understanding the structure and function of calmodulin kinase and its isoforms is crucial for developing therapeutic interventions.
In summary, calmodulin kinase is an enzyme that is activated by calcium-calmodulin complex formation and is involved in phosphorylating specific proteins, leading to modulation of their activity and regulation of various cellular processes.
Common Misspellings for CALMODULIN KINASE
- xalmodulin kinase
- valmodulin kinase
- falmodulin kinase
- dalmodulin kinase
- czlmodulin kinase
- cslmodulin kinase
- cwlmodulin kinase
- cqlmodulin kinase
- cakmodulin kinase
- capmodulin kinase
- caomodulin kinase
- calnodulin kinase
- calkodulin kinase
- caljodulin kinase
- calmidulin kinase
- calmkdulin kinase
- calmldulin kinase
- calmpdulin kinase
- calm0dulin kinase
- calm9dulin kinase
Etymology of CALMODULIN KINASE
The word "Calmodulin Kinase" originates from the combination of two terms: "calmodulin" and "kinase".
1. Calmodulin: The term "calmodulin" is derived from the words "calcium" and "modulate". It refers to a calcium-binding protein that plays a crucial role in regulating various cellular processes. The name reflects its ability to modulate or regulate the activity of many enzymes and proteins in response to changes in calcium levels.
2. Kinase: The term "kinase" is derived from the Greek word "kinēsis", which means "movement". In biological terms, a kinase is an enzyme responsible for transferring a phosphate group from ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to a protein or other molecule through a process called phosphorylation. This phosphorylation event often leads to changes in the molecule's structure and activity, thereby regulating cellular signals and processes.
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