The Ca2+ Sensor STIM in Human Diseases

Biomolecules. 2023 Aug 22;13(9):1284. doi: 10.3390/biom13091284.

Abstract

The STIM family of proteins plays a crucial role in a plethora of cellular functions through the regulation of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and, thus, intracellular calcium homeostasis. The two members of the mammalian STIM family, STIM1 and STIM2, are transmembrane proteins that act as Ca2+ sensors in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and, upon Ca2+ store discharge, interact with and activate the Orai/CRACs in the plasma membrane. Dysregulation of Ca2+ signaling leads to the pathogenesis of a variety of human diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and immune disorders. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying Ca2+ signaling pathways is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies targeting these diseases. This review focuses on several rare conditions associated with STIM1 mutations that lead to either gain- or loss-of-function, characterized by myopathy, hematological and immunological disorders, among others, and due to abnormal activation of CRACs. In addition, we summarize the current evidence concerning STIM2 allele duplication and deletion associated with language, intellectual, and developmental delay, recurrent pulmonary infections, microcephaly, facial dimorphism, limb anomalies, hypogonadism, and congenital heart defects.

Keywords: Orai; STIM1; STIM2; store-operated Ca2+ entry.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Animals
  • Body Fluids*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases*
  • Cell Membrane
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum
  • Humans
  • Mammals

Grants and funding

This research was funded by PID2019-104084GB-C21, PID2019-104084GB-C22, PID2022-136279NB-C21, and PID2022-136279NB-C22, supported by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and FEDER, and Junta de Extremadura-Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER; Grants IB20007 and GR21008) to J.A.R. A.B.-E. and A.M.-D. are supported by contracts from Junta de Extremadura. J.N.-F. is supported by a contract from Agencia Estatal de Investigación.