Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

The cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) is a key determinant of neuronal information transfer and processing. It controls a plethora of fundamental processes, including transmitter release and the induction of synaptic plasticity. This enigmatic second messenger conveys its wide variety of actions by binding to a subgroup of Ca2+ binding proteins (CaBPs) known as “Ca2+ sensors”. Well known examples of Ca2+ sensors are Troponin-C in skeletal muscle, Synaptotagmin in presynaptic terminals, and Calmodulin (CaM) in all eukaryotic cells. Since the levels of [Ca2+]i directly influence the potency of Ca2+ sensors, the Ca2+ concentration is tightly controlled by several mechanisms including another type of Ca2+ binding proteins, the Ca2+ buffers. Prominent examples of Ca2+ buffers include Parvalbumin (PV), Calbindin-D28k (CB) and Calretinin (CR), although for the latter two Ca2+ sensor functions were recently also suggested. Ca2+ buffers are distinct from sensors by their purely buffering action, i.e. they influence the spatio-temporal extent of Ca2+ signals, without directly binding downstream target proteins. Details of their action depend on their binding kinetics, mobility, and concentration. Thus, neurons can control the range of action of Ca2+ by the type and concentration of CaBPs expressed. Since buffering strongly limits the range of action of free Ca2+, the structure of the Ca2+ signaling domain and the topographical relationships between the sites of Ca2+ influx and the location of the Ca2+ sensors are central determinants in neuronal information processing. For example, postsynaptic dendritic spines act to compartmentalize Ca2+ depending on their geometry and expression of CaBPs, thereby influencing dendritic integration. At presynaptic sites it has been shown that tight, so called nanodomain coupling between Ca2+ channels and the sensor for vesicular transmitter release increases speed and reliability of synaptic transmission. Vice versa, the influence of an individual CaBP on information processing depends on the topographical relationships within the signaling domain. If e.g. source and sensor are very close, only buffers with rapid binding kinetics can interfere with signaling. This Research Topic contains a collection of work dealing with the relationships between different [Ca2+]i controlling mechanisms in the structural context of synaptic sites and their functional implications for synaptic information processing as detailed in the Editorial.

Calcium --- localization --- calcium sensor --- calcium buffer --- transmitter release --- plasticity --- dendritic integration --- storm --- STED

Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

It is in general well appreciated that the cortical interneurons play various important roles in cortical neuronal networks both in normal and pathological states. Based on connectivity pattern, developmental, morphological and electrophysiological properties, distinct subgroups of GABAergic interneurons can be differentiated in the neocortex as well as in the hippocampal formation. In this E-Book, we are focusing our attention on inhibitory interneurons expressing calcium-binding protein calretinin (CR). The aim of the E-Book is to consolidate the knowledge about this interneuronal population and to inspire further research on the function and malfunction of these neurons, which – functionally – seem to stand "at the top of the pyramid" of cortical interneuronal types.

calretinin --- Interneurons --- Cortical Circuits --- Cortical development --- GABA --- Calcium-Binding Proteins --- Epilepsy --- claustrum --- Hippocampus --- Neocortex

Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

Plants use the Sun's energy to synthesize the basic biomolecules that make up all the organic matter of all organisms of terrestrial ecosystems, including ourselves. Therefore, understanding their adaptive mechanisms to variations of environmental factors, both biotic and abiotic, is fundamental, and particularly relevant in the current context of rapid climate change. Some of the most important adaptive mechanisms of plants are the electrical and chemical signaling systems for the exchange of information between proximally and distally located cells. These signalling systems allow plants to dynamically coordinate the activities of all cells under a diversity of situations. In this Research Topic, we present eight articles that bring up new hypothesis and data to understand the mechanisms of systemic electrical signaling and the central role that it plays in adapting the whole plant to different stresses, as well as new findings on intracellular calcium and nitric oxide-based signaling pathways under stress, which could be extrapolated to non-plant research.

plant electrophysiology --- ion channels --- intracellular calcium --- nitric oxide --- circumnutation --- phloem --- photosynthesis --- environmental stress --- action potential --- Arabidopsis

Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

The tale of cyclic GMP has been astonishing. Having overcome an initial disbelief, cyclic GMP has risen to its present eminence as a premium cellular signal transduction messenger of not only hormonal extracellular but also of the intracellular signals. This research topic focuses on the pathways and functions of membrane guanylate cyclases in different tissues of the body and their interplay with intracellular sensory signals where in many cases, cyclic GMP along with Ca2+ have taken on roles as synarchic co-messengers.

membrane guanylate cyclase --- Cyclic GMP --- Calcium --- ANF-RGC --- ROS-GC --- synaptic plasticity --- Gene Therapy --- Visceral Pain --- trafficking --- Glaucoma

Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

This Special Issue is aimed at presenting the state of the art of the multidisciplinary science concerning all aspects of volcanic plumes, of relevance to the volcanology, climatology, atmospheric science, and remote sensing communities.

calcium carbonate --- crystallization --- hydrogels --- alginate --- xanthan --- SEM --- X-ray diffraction --- carbonation --- micromechanics --- CaCO3 --- cement --- ammonia bicarbonate --- carbon dioxide --- mass-transfer coefficient --- capture --- bubble-column scrubber --- calcium carbonate --- alginate --- Lessonia nigrescens --- electrocrystallization --- multi-wall carbon nanotubes --- potentiometric titration --- calcium carbonate --- phosphorylated chitin --- electrocrystallization --- potentiometric titration --- gas diffusion method --- sedimentary model --- Callovian-Oxfordian --- Amu Darya Basin --- reservoir --- main controlling factors --- MICP --- Sporosarcina pasteurii --- Bacillus subtilis --- bacterial extracellular secretion --- urease --- calcite --- contact angle --- surface energy --- biomineralization --- calcite --- aragonite --- sericin --- nacre --- CO2 --- composite --- hierarchic structure