The contractile responses of esophageal smooth muscle (SM) induced by platelet-activating factor (PAF) involve the activation of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels (L-type VDCCs), ...

Structural analysis and computer simulations made it possible to identify where and why calcium ions get stuck. Ion channels are structures within cell membranes that enable specific ions to travel to ...

Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels are critical determinants of smooth muscle function by mediating rapid feedback between intracellular calcium levels and membrane potential.

Researchers engineered mice with a mutation (E3896A) in the RyR1 calcium-binding site, eliminating calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) without affecting depolarization-induced calcium release. The ...

New research has identified the specific biological mechanism behind the muscle dysfunction found in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and further shows that calcium channel blockers can reverse these ...

A new discovery may explain why so many people abandon cholesterol-lowering statins because of muscle pain and weakness. Researchers found that certain statins can latch onto a key muscle protein and ...

- Muscle cells, also known as myocytes, are specialized cells designed for contraction and force production. Skeletal Muscle Cells: These cells are long, cylindrical, and have a striated (or striped) ...