Calmodulin as a Calcium Binding Protein - Article Example

Calmodulin possesses a very important function of stimulating the functioning of different enzymes as well as the mediation of ion channels. The activity of calmodulin is only brought about by the attachment of four calcium ions. This attachment brings about a change in the structure of calmodulin and makes it capable of performing its functions. The withdrawal of calcium ions from calmodulin restores it to its inactive state. The different enzymes that work after being activated by calmodulin include adenylyl cyclase, calcium magnesium ATPase, nitric oxide synthase, phosphorylase kinase, calcium-dependent protein kinases, and calcium phospholipid-dependent protein kinase.

It also possesses the function of acting on certain receptors like NMDA-type glutamate receptors as well as on ion movement pathways which include L-type calcium channels. Calmodulin also affects other cellular mechanisms. The contractility of smooth muscle is one such function. In cells that are non-contracting, calmodulin affects the motile activity of the cells and other processes like mitosis. The wide range of functions that can be performed by calmodulin clearly explains the importance of this protein in living organisms.

Its malfunctioning can result in hampering the activity of many enzymes, and ion pathways and affect other regulatory processes (Champe et al 2005; Murray et al 2009).