CALPAIN I Meaning and
Definition
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Calpain I is an enzyme that belongs to the family of calcium-dependent proteases known as calpains. Specifically, it is a subtype of the calpain enzyme encoded by the CAPN1 gene. Calpain I is widely distributed in various tissues and plays a crucial role in many physiological processes in living organisms.
As a calcium-dependent protease, Calpain I requires the presence of calcium ions to become activated. Once activated, it cleaves other proteins, participating in the regulation of various cellular functions such as signal transduction, cytoskeletal remodeling, and apoptosis. It acts upon specific target proteins, cleaving them at specific sites in response to cellular signals.
Calpain I is particularly abundant in the brain, where it is involved in the modulation of synaptic plasticity, a process crucial for learning and memory. It also has a significant role in muscle function, as it contributes to muscle contraction and repair processes. Moreover, Calpain I has been implicated in pathophysiological conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders and muscular dystrophies, where its dysregulation or abnormal activity may contribute to disease progression.
Understanding the functions of Calpain I and its substrates is vital for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying various biological processes and diseases. Researchers often study Calpain I to gain insights into its role in health and disease, aiming to develop potential therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating its activity or targeting specific substrates.
Common Misspellings for CALPAIN I
- xalpain i
- valpain i
- falpain i
- dalpain i
- czlpain i
- cslpain i
- cwlpain i
- cqlpain i
- cakpain i
- cappain i
- caopain i
- caloain i
- callain i
- cal-ain i
- cal0ain i
- calpzin i
- calpsin i
- calpwin i
- calpqin i
- calpaun i
Etymology of CALPAIN I
The word "Calpain" is derived from the Latin word "calx", which means "lime" or "chalk". It was chosen because the enzyme was first characterized and isolated from bovine (cow) and porcine (pig) lens, which contain a high concentration of calcium and were used as a source for purification.
The "I" in "Calpain I" typically refers to one of the two major isoforms of calpain enzymes, namely "Calpain I" and "Calpain II". The numbering system helps to differentiate between different isoforms of the same enzyme family.
Overall, the etymology of "Calpain I" is derived from the Latin word "calx" and the number "I" represents one of the isoforms.
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