Recent advances in understanding IP3R function with focus on ER-mitochondrial Ca2+ transfers

IP3 receptors (IP3Rs) are intracellular Ca2+ release channels gated by IP3 that are located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), including subregions that are in close contact with other organelles such as mitochondria. Recent studies have discovered unique properties of these channels in terms of the stoichiometric requirements for channel opening, their licensing to open in response to IP3 and their contribution to ER-mitochondrial contacts and Ca2+ transfers. In this mini-review, we provide a snapshot of the recent developments in our understanding of how IP3Rs impact and function at the ER-mitochondrial interface. We have focused this review on more recent discoveries that address questions such as: Which IP3R isoform is fueling Ca2+ to mitochondria? How are IP3Rs tethered to MAMs and how do IP3Rs contribute to MAM formation? And how are IP3Rs modulated at MAMs?

Publication year:2020

Accessibility:Open