caxes
Caxes, commonly referred to as CAX transporters, are a family of membrane proteins that mediate the exchange of divalent cations, primarily Ca2+, with protons across membranes, most prominently at the vacuolar membrane (tonoplast). By moving Ca2+ into the vacuole, CAX transporters help regulate cytosolic calcium levels and contribute to calcium storage and detoxification of excess metals. Some family members can transport other divalent cations such as Mn2+.
Most characterized CAX proteins contain the conserved CaCA superfamily domain and multiple transmembrane segments that facilitate
Functional studies in model species show that CAX proteins influence cytosolic Ca2+ signaling and vacuolar Ca2+
Understanding CAX transporters has practical implications for agriculture, including strategies to manipulate mineral storage in seeds