Apoaequorin: What You Need to Know

Apoaequorin is a calcium-binding photoprotein found in the jellyfish Aequorea victoria. It is composed of two subunits, a tightly bound polypeptide chain called apoaequorin and a chromophore called coelenterazine. When calcium binds to apoaequorin, it causes a conformational change that results in the emission of light. This light emission can be used to measure calcium concentrations in biological samples.

Apoaequorin has been used extensively in research to study calcium signaling in a variety of cell types. It has also been used to develop genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs), which are fluorescent proteins that can be expressed in cells to report on calcium concentrations. GECIs based on apoaequorin have been particularly useful for studying calcium signaling in vivo, as they can be expressed in specific cell types and do not require the use of external dyes.

Here are some key facts about apoaequorin:

* It is a calcium-binding photoprotein found in the jellyfish Aequorea victoria.

* It is composed of two subunits, apoaequorin and coelenterazine.

* When calcium binds to apoaequorin, it causes a conformational change that results in the emission of light.

* This light emission can be used to measure calcium concentrations in biological samples.

* Apoaequorin has been used extensively in research to study calcium signaling in a variety of cell types.

* It has also been used to develop genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs).

Apoaequorin is a powerful tool for studying calcium signaling in biological systems. It has been used to make important discoveries about the role of calcium in a variety of cellular processes, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and fertilization.