IP3triggered

IP3triggered is a term used in the field of cellular biology to describe the process by which inositol trisphosphate (IP3) acts as a signaling molecule to trigger the release of calcium ions (Ca2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) into the cytoplasm. This process is a crucial component of intracellular signaling, playing a vital role in various cellular functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.

The IP3triggered pathway begins when a cell receives an extracellular signal, which activates a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) or a tyrosine kinase receptor. This activation leads to the activation of phospholipase C (PLC), an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) into diacylglycerol (DAG) and IP3. IP3 then diffuses through the cytoplasm and binds to its receptor on the ER membrane, causing the release of Ca2+ from the ER into the cytoplasm.

The released Ca2+ can then activate various Ca2+-dependent enzymes and proteins, leading to a cascade of intracellular events that ultimately result in the cellular response to the initial extracellular signal. The IP3triggered pathway is tightly regulated to ensure precise control of Ca2+ release and to prevent excessive or prolonged Ca2+ signaling, which could be detrimental to the cell. This regulation is achieved through the action of IP3 receptors, which can be modulated by various factors, including the concentration of IP3 and the presence of Ca2+ itself.